Outboard Placement Advice

Hi Everyone,

I just bought a Catalina 30 sailboat with an ailing Atomic 4 inboard and was wanting to install a Honda longshaft 8hp outboard on the transom.

Is it better to mount the outboard on the centerline or to the Port or Starboard side of the transom. When I discuss this matter with folks on the dock I get all kinds of different answers. I see many in my marina mount them to the Port side. I have been told that this compensates for prop walk which will turn the boat to Port but that the thrust offset would counteract this somewhat. Having it mounted on the Starboard side would have the tiller of the outboard closer to me. The boat has a wheeled helm. Would appreciate advice before I start drilling.

Thanks

 

There is a quite active C30 owners association. I think I would ask their advice. www.catalina30.com