Transom angle for outboard boats

One setting for my Tohatsu 6 HP outboard puts the transom angle at 15 degrees. I'm thinking building a boat with a 15 degree transom angle would be a good thing when reversing or for any waves that may hit the transom.

Are there any negatives for a transom angle of 15 degrees as opposed to 12 degrees or less?

 

so much depends on the boat design

I built my transom at 14 degrees. You can always bump the engine out, but never back in without wedges...

15 degrees is quite a lot

 

Most small outboards presume a 14 to 15 degree transom angle. The clamp brackets are configured so that the lower unit is positioned somewhere near the best normal angle of propulsion. Big outboards are a whole other deal. Most of them will have trim adjustment mechanisms. so that the transom angle is not a major factor in most cases. For the small motor use the manufacturers recommendation of 14 to 15 degrees. That is a handy angle because if you use a one on four bevel for transom tilt, you get an angle of 14.036 degrees which is close enough.

 

Thanks for your input.

 

Sounds good. I'll go with 15 degrees for the transom for the boat I will be building. Thanks.

 

The only real concern is the lift-out clearance in the raised condition. For short-shaft OBs, too much angle doesn't always get the foot entirely clear. But if it doesn't live year-round in salt water, this isn't a huge deal.

 

Very good point that I had not considered. I'll check that aspect out and decide. My boat will only be in the water while we're using it.
Thanks!