Boat Motor Mounts: What to Consider and Inspect

If engine mounts are more than five to seven years old, or have been contaminated by seawater, engine oil, or engine coolant, they may need replacement. Even mounts that look intact can harden over time and stop isolating the boat from engine vibration.

Common signs of worn engine mounts

• Increased vibration after starting the engine.
• An excessive lurch that does not feel or sound right when starting the engine.
• A jolt when changing gears.
• Impact noises, clunks, or bangs from the engine bay.
• Visible wear.
• Age beyond the typical five- to seven-year range noted by engine mount manufacturers.

What to inspect

Seawater can rust metal parts and weaken mounting bolts. Engine oil and coolant can deteriorate the elastomer and hasten delamination. Poor alignment can also contribute to bolt failure, vibration, loose screws, and related drivetrain issues.

CLR Marine offers engine mounts for brands such as Yanmar, Perkins, Universal, Westerbeke, and others. Some Yanmar mounts are manufactured for a specific engine side, such as the starter side or oil filter side, so product-page details matter.

Use onsite search, product pages, and live chat to compare current engine mount listings before ordering. After replacing motor mounts, verify the alignment with the prop shaft.