Motor questions for the X

[Jwnj]

Hey guys two main queations:

1) has anyone used an adjustable jack plate on the X successfully? Or would the steering linkages not work due to offset towards rear? I just prefer mounting to a metal plate rather than the transom every time i need to switch motors.

2) sort of related- maybe i can get away on lakes with hp limit with having a rail mounted 9.9 on the side, but what sort of bracket mounted to rail would drop the motor all the way to below water line? All i see is rail mounted ones with plastic that have bad reviews.
Thanks in advance

[sailboatmike]

You mean you would be willing to take off 220lb plus of motor and all the wiring and connections that would be involved in removing it just to go for a sail, your a game man, I know it took the Outboard place the best part of a day to put my new motor on and remove the old one and they are professionals with cranes etc.

[Jwnj]

Ive done it many times on the m19 and its a pain but its a 50hp and 9.9hp tiller. I guess youre right on the 26x its even worse with the connections hence my other question. Is the only way to attach a second smaller motor directly to the hull due to height issues or can it be somehow on rail? I swear i saw photos of that on the 26

[darrenj]

I have a kicker mount on the transom outside of the rudders which allows for a 9.9 or smaller engine to swing up and down. I know many other boats have the same setup. It makes for a great place to store the dingy motor while underway as well as backup propulsion if the main engine were to fail. Having the ability to raise and lower the motor on the kicker plat allows the dingy motor to be transferred to and from the dingy easily as well. I use a 6 hp on it which is pretty much the limit of what I would want to transfer to and from the dingy while at anchor. I am sure there are pictures in the mods section.

[Seapup]

1) has anyone used an adjustable jack plate on the X successfully? Or would the steering linkages not work due to offset towards rear? I just prefer mounting to a metal plate rather than the transom every time i need to switch motors.

A few have used jackplates on the . When I took off my 50 and put on a 90 I added a 6" setback and 4" rise adjustable jackplate. When I took off the 90 and put on a 20 I flipped the jackplate brackets for 10" setback to make a swim deck. You are correct, it completely fouls the steering both the raise and setback. You can see the angle of the steering connector in the pic. To fix this I had to run the steering cable directly to the motor and not the rudder connector.

[bobflshmn]

The PO of my X replaced the 50 with a 25. The 25 did not have a power tilt so I added one which sets the motor back about 6 inches. The only modification I had to do was bend a slight offset in the steering linkage and adjust the threaded rod out about 3 inches. Steering was not affected at all with the motor up or down, and I do not have to disconnect the linkage to lift the motor. I would believe this to be similar to the modification you are considering.

[Herschel]

I use a jack plate with my Yamaha 50 High Trust. I put it on back when I had my Merc 50 big foot to adjust the height of the prop in relation to the stern and water line to optimize performance. My steering remains attached to the rudder steering assembly. I never detach the engine from the rudder steering. It just doesn't seem to be an issue for me especially since I don't need an autopilot system. I like the jack plate because it allows you to postion your engine at just the right height to get best performance.

[Gazmn]

Hey guys two main queations:

1) has anyone used an adjustable jack plate on the X successfully? Or would the steering linkages not work due to offset towards rear? I just prefer mounting to a metal plate rather than the transom every time i need to switch motors.

2) sort of related- maybe i can get away on lakes with hp limit with having a rail mounted 9.9 on the side, but what sort of bracket mounted to rail would drop the motor all the way to below water line? All i see is rail mounted ones with plastic that have bad reviews.
Thanks in advance

Welcome Jwn, you've come to the right place

I use a 10" set jackplate. While it may state physically adjustable, I ain't moving' Jack

I had a hydraulic steering intervention, that I just realized, I didn't put up in mods & I slave the rudders to my Etec.

Are you re- powering or staying with the 50. If repowering, <= to 90 is most efficient weight to power IMO.

How big of a backplate are you thinking?

While I first kept mine attached to my original steering arm & rudder mechanism, I have no regrets going hydraulic. Even R. MacGregor says " The motor will overpower your sails [ & rudder, therefore.]

So I used a jack plate to put my outer motor in deeper, more appropriate - for me. What's ur JP thinking regarding [Why - 'Cause we all learn here.]

& thanks for contributing

[Jwnj]

Wow thanks for all the responses. My main issue with a 50 hp on the m19 and a jackplate was depending on height either the cowl wouldnt fit under the steering components or the motor key would bend in loweat position lol. On the 26 looks like a lot more room. It has a 15 might go with a 90. Since the jackplate and steering combo sounds complicated may just permanently install the main motor and add a bracket on side for 9.9 i guess ill look into a drop bracket thats height adjustable and hopefully the tiller handle will clear the hull and prop will reach the water. Or maybe a bracket that sets it back from the boat so theres room for tiller. If anyone has a good experience with a specific model let me know

[Jwnj]

One more thing, do you guys drill holes for the 90hp mounting? Im assuming so

[Starscream]

One more thing, do you guys drill holes for the 90hp mounting? Im assuming so

Don't think so. My 90 used the same holes as the bf50a. Added wedges to help the motor angle but other than that, nothing.

[Gazmn]

Ditto. Holes should all line up.

[Jwnj]

Are those factory holes on every 26x? Mine came with a 15hp clamp on thats why asking have to take it off to check

[Starscream]

Are those factory holes on every 26x? Mine came with a 15hp clamp on thats why asking have to take it off to check

No idea...second owner.

[Gazmn]

Are those factory holes on every 26x? Mine came with a 15hp clamp on thats why asking have to take it off to check

Maybe one of the Mac resellers can jump in. I would have otherwise assumed the holes are factory drilled due to them being sold with 50’s on the transom.

-But you know what happens when you “Ass-u-me” ...