Sliding Stainless Auxiliary Outboard Bracket (Adjustable, up to 15 HP)

This sliding auxiliary motor bracket provides maximum flexibility when using a backup outboard engine. Constructed entirely from 316 stainless steel, it is built to withstand harsh marine conditions, maintaining its strength and functionality over time. The design features two parallel tracks along which the engine mount slides vertically, carried by durable Teflon (PTFE) rollers. These rollers ensure smooth movement without jamming and are resistant to salt, UV exposure, and mechanical wear.

The bracket’s mechanism allows the engine to be lowered and raised through a range of up to ~70 cm (depending on model specifics – this model’s dimensions are roughly 70 x 31 x 30 cm). This is especially useful for boats with high transoms or when mounting an auxiliary on a swim platform – you can drop the motor low enough for the prop to fully engage in the water during use, and lift it well clear of the waterline when you want it out of the way.

For ease of use, the bracket is equipped with automatic locking mechanisms at several points along its travel. As you slide the motor to the desired height, spring-loaded pins (or locking tabs) snap into pre-set holes, locking the bracket securely in place. This eliminates the risk of the motor creeping or sliding due to waves or vibration. You can choose various positions – from fully down (for engine operation) to intermediate heights (for optimizing thrust/drift) and fully up (for transport or sailing when the auxiliary motor is not needed).

The package includes a safety strap – a heavy-duty tie-down that secures the engine to the bracket’s frame. This provides extra security, especially when the boat is underway in chop: the motor will not bounce or rattle, but remain firmly coupled to the slides. The strap is adjustable and features a quick-release stainless buckle for convenience.

The wooden pad measuring about 25 x 20 cm, attached to the moving platform, serves as a transom board for the engine. It’s made of quality marine plywood, treated for weather resistance. Its large surface area allows the outboard clamps to get a firm grip without damaging the pad or the motor itself.

Use Cases and Recommendations:

• Larger Powerboats and Yachts: This adjustable bracket is often favored by owners of bigger boats (5–7+ meters) who want a backup engine for maneuvering or emergency use. For example, on a sailing yacht you might mount this mechanism on the stern – while under sail, the auxiliary engine can be lifted high and secured so it doesn’t drag, and when approaching a marina, it can be lowered to propel the yacht.
• Fishing Boats: For boats that use a second engine for trolling, the adjustable height is a huge advantage. You can set the motor just below the surface or deeper depending on wave conditions, thus optimizing thrust and steering. When traveling at speed with the main engine, you can raise the trolling motor out of the water to reduce drag and avoid damage.
• Boats with High Transoms: If your boat’s transom sits well above the waterline (for instance, some cabin cruisers or fishing vessels with high freeboard), standard fixed brackets might not drop the engine sufficiently. This sliding bracket overcomes that problem – 70 cm of travel is ample to get a 15 HP motor’s prop submerged even from a tall deck.
• Installation: Ensure the mounting location (transom or platform) is structurally sound and can support the weight of the engine plus the bracket (the bracket itself weighs a few kilograms of stainless steel). Mount it using four stainless steel bolts (M8 or M10 depending on the base holes), and use large washers or a backing plate on the inside of the transom for better load distribution. After installation, check the slide action – you may apply a bit of marine grease or lubricant to the Teflon rollers for ultra-smooth gliding (generally they don’t require lubrication, but with a heavy engine it might help).
• Maintenance: After each use in saltwater, rinse the mechanism with fresh water to wash away salt from the tracks, rollers, and locking pins. Periodically inspect and tighten the mounting bolts. Also check the wooden pad – if its varnish wears down over time, reapply a protective coat to prevent moisture ingress. With proper maintenance, this stainless mechanism will operate smoothly and reliably for many seasons.