Can you reuse transom bolts and nuts?

[kercha83]

Can I reuse the bolts and nuts that holds my motor to the transom? Last week I went to a service dealer to talk about having my jackplate install on my boat and he told me that it will be ok to reuse the transom bolts and nuts but he would need to order new bolts and nuts for the motor to jackplate.

[Hez]

[J Risco]

If they are in good condition no reason not to reuse them.

[hooken203]

Can you reuse them? Maybe. I have on my own boat. It’s not a good idea and doesn’t add that much to the install. You don’t have a jackplate at this time? You are installing one?

[Gamblinman]

Bolts in good condition and show no signs of corrosion, yes. I would replace the nuts.

[josie201]

I just replaced my jackplate , and felt it was cheap insurance in the grand scheme of things. Set for transom and set for motor from Don

[Savage]

Can I reuse the bolts and nuts that holds my motor to the transom? Last week I went to a service dealer to talk about having my jackplate install on my boat and he told me that it will be ok to reuse the transom bolts and nuts but he would need to order new bolts and nuts for the motor to jackplate.

I would NOT re-use any of the fasteners. Installing a new jackplate is the perfect time to replace all the hardware, since the transom fasteners are sealed to the transom.

[John Jackson]

And upgrade to 9/16" hardware, at least on the top bolts.

[fishnfireman]

Won't tell anyone not to ~~~~
But I will tell you this -- all SIX of mine are original after two j-plates and 3 motors. I do re torque them on a REGULAR basis.
Do you change lugs and nuts after every tire change ??

[Savage]

Won't tell anyone not to ~~~~
But I will tell you this -- all SIX of mine are original after two j-plates and 3 motors. I do re torque them on a REGULAR basis.
Do you change lugs and nuts after every tire change ??

I personally don't, because automotive studs are made from a different Alloy.


Do you have to replace all the hardware.......No.

Do I think its a very good idea.....Yes.

[Gamblinman]

At the very least. replace the nuts, since they are of the locking type and loose some of their tension from removing and torqueing over time.

[mdtritn21]

I'd change just the nuts too because they are the weakest link and usually are made of brass or stainless.

[John Jackson]

Won't tell anyone not to ~~~~
But I will tell you this -- all SIX of mine are original after two j-plates and 3 motors. I do re torque them on a REGULAR basis.
Do you change lugs and nuts after every tire change ??

Also, you have 16, 20, 24, or 32 lug nuts holding your car up. And lug nuts have very little extensional force on them. Stainless nuts on a motor are softer/weaker, and the main force on the top bolt is extensional, which is why if there is breakage, it's almost always one of the top bolts.

[bass.man65]

And upgrade to 9/16" hardware, at least on the top bolts.

I went with 5/8 myself. Don't feel good with little 1/2in bolts holding 500 lb motor 2 poles and plate.

[leo13]

The tensile or axial loading is a non issue for the bolts. Using similar materials for the nut and bolt as in this case both can be 300 series SST (austenitic SST) can cause galling. I would visually inspect the threads for damage and if the nut came off smoothly it would be fine to re-use the bolts. The nuts are usually SST or brass with nylon inserts. The brass is softer then the SST and will wear at a higher rate which limits its service life. Also the nylon insert does wear and loses its retention ability so it is a good idea in both cases to replace the nuts.

Can I reuse the bolts and nuts that holds my motor to the transom? Last week I went to a service dealer to talk about having my jackplate install on my boat and he told me that it will be ok to reuse the transom bolts and nuts but he would need to order new bolts and nuts for the motor to jackplate.

[fishnfireman]

Also, you have 16, 20, 24, or 32 lug nuts holding your car up. .

Most trailers have 5 per wheel which is one less than the number of transom bolts on my rig.
I'm surprised that ALL boat makers are not using six transom bolts with the HP some of these rigs are using..
If I was a shop owner working on others boats I would use new bolts just to CMA !!
Just how many correctly installed broken transom bolts have you ever seen ??----That was not the result of additional factors.??

[EuropeanAM]

I went with 5/8 myself. Don't feel good with little 1/2in bolts holding 500 lb motor 2 poles and plate.

Shouldn't be holding ANYTHING but the engine. Those other devices should not be on engine hardware.

Viable arguments can be made on either side of the debate. One can say "safest to replace"- which I'd agree is usually the case. Then somebody pipes up and says "but new doesn't necessarily mean GOOD now, does it"?

So... unless you're really comfortable with making a judgement call on the hardware, it's probably best to simply replace it with new, warranted (OEM) hardware.

[TritonTRXV8]

Sometimes for me when doing a job like this new hardware is just nice because it makes it cleaner and easier. In this case no silicone to remove from the old bolts and you get some peace of mind too. Its not like its $100s saved.