Rich, I've found that by positioning the motor as far to the outside of the cutout as possible my prop cannot contact the rudder. I keep the motor fixed in position and steer with the rudder. It may be possible they could contact if allowed to swing in opposite directions. Larry Y On Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:07:16 -0500 "Rich Makela" <richmak@makelaperformance.com> writes:

My 1977 M17 came equipped with a swing-up outboard motor bracket installed by a previous owner. I had to remove it to make some repairs, and I am considering mounting my Minnkota electric motor directly in the transom cutout instead of reinstalling the bracket. As I try the arrangement with the boat on the trailer, a question immediately arises. With the motor mounted on the transom, and hence farther forward, the rudder can come too close to the prop. How do I insure that the rudder and the prop avoid coming to blows?

Rich Makela

M17 #233 - Harmony