outboard motor well

[J Ralph]

I am looking to build a wood skiff for a mooring tender,and I would like to have the outboard motor in a well...anyone have any plans for something like this? Thanks

[carolina skiff]

i'm in the same boat -- ha. have a 16' wooden skiff i've stripped to the hull and am rebuilding. i've seen these motor wells, but not sure what value they add. they just seem to clutter the stern and make it more difficult to (a) run steering/throttle cables to the console (b) allow water in the cockpit to drain back to the transom, and out the drain hole/scuppers. Someone willing to refute me, and tell me why motor wells are necessary?

[carolina skiff]

check this out -- http://www.glen-l.com/designs/outboard/motorwell.html

question --- i assume this motor well allow waves that may crash over the stern to drain back out the cutout where the outboard bracket rests -- what about water in the cockpit? where would that go, since this covers up the drain hole/scuppers?

[J Ralph]

the kind of well I mean would be 2-3 feet forward of the transom.It's purpose would be more for protecting the motor as the skiff would be tied up at a pier with 7or8 other skiffs,and they are always getting smashed up when it gets windy.Also,it would just be a small(2-5 hp.)outboard with a tiller arm...no steering cabels...any ideas??? J

[J Ralph]

oh yeah....also it would have no scuppers...just a floor and a bailing bucket!

[mark j]

the forward motor wells i have seen are mainly used for the purpose of nets.
its easier to haul nets without an outboard sticking up to become entangled in.

[J Ralph]

this is more for protecting the motor from other skiffs and the dock

[carolina skiff]

You need to check out a design called a Simmons Sea Skiff. I think Old Wharf Dory Co. makes some. It's a carolina coastal design with an "internal" motor well to (as above mentioned) keep the stern clear for hauling nets.

GO SOX!

[J Ralph]

I'll try to find that on the web and see if I can get some plans.Was at game 5 at fenway park for ALL 14 innings.....what a game....can't wait for Shilling to take the mound sunday!

Speaking of skiffs with motor wells, they are commom along the east coast
of nc. they work great for running gill nets and small shrimp twrals also
great for oystering and claming a verry good work boat. I have owned
and worked about six of these during the past years.if I was in the markett
for one I would look around morehead city or Harkers Island. NC.

[J Ralph]

thanks for the info....I was looking to build a small one(around 12 feet) just for a mooring skiff