IS the best motor mount still the Cheato?

I figure the reason I don't use my Hobie all that much is that I am unwilling to commit to an all day outing if there is any chance i will have a hard time getting back home. I am on a large lake and in a bay that is a bit sheltered. I think the ability to power up a small motor would really make a difference in how often I sail my Getaway 16 and where I take it. (It came with the cottage and I am not the most skilled sailor)) So, I bought a used Suzuki 2.5 HP motor. It weighs 29 pounds and is efficient with fuel from what I have read. I see there has been a motor mount that was developed many years ago by Cheato. Looks good to me , but are there other options that work better? Do these mounts stress things that were not designed for this? I could always sell my new motor if it is just a dumb idea, but got it for a decent price with very low hours. Opinions appreciated.

Tia

Nope. I had the Cheeta (bought it new with my Getaway), used it for a couple of seasons. Then KeithB came up with a better design. Cost 1/4 as much as the Cheeta, holds the motor higher, looks better. The catch? you have to build it yourself. Fortunately, he gave great instructions and it's easy to do. I built it and sold my Cheeta.
Here's a link...https://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=57851

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Yet another Bob!
"Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker
"Icebirds" - 1974 Skeeter iceboat
Too many canoes and kayaks

Thanks for that link. Great to have options.

Your Suzuki motor will work just fine on the KeithB mount. I added a crossbar (inspired by another member) that really makes the mount strong. Peruse that rather lengthy thread and you'll see photos of my (and other) setups.

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Yet another Bob!
"Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker
"Icebirds" - 1974 Skeeter iceboat
Too many canoes and kayaks

I just bought all the DIY parts for the 80/20 mount, question> long shaft or short shaft ? Looking at a Yamaha 4 stroke.

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2006 Getaway “Nattitude”
1979 Churnubi Hunter 25’

Old thread... did this work out for you? I order the parts for Keith's design, and want to get the yamaha but not sure if it is strong enough for 40lbs. And... short or long shaft? What combination did you end up with and how do you like it?

Especially with a crossbar, it'll hold 40#. Short shaft will be fine, your prop will come out of the water momentarily in big waves. If you're a big water sailor and depths not a problem, the long shaft is fine too

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Yet another Bob!
"Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker
"Icebirds" - 1974 Skeeter iceboat
Too many canoes and kayaks

Hello! New Getaway owner, first time post.

I would also like to add a motor mount and have looked at the KeithB thread, which is great, and a big thanks to all for that.

In the thread Weekendwarrior introduces a V2.0, which has 2 differences to the original design- first is the hinge on the main support leg and second is the crossbar mounting method, the original uses the slot for the lower big plate; the v2.0 uses shims and puts the big plates above and below the crossbar.

Can anyone comment on whether either of both of those changes are a good idea? I guess I like the original as it has less hardware below the crossbeam, unless the v2.0 is stronger or has some other advantage.

I believe WW uses a Torqueedo; I will be using a Honda 2 hp. I’ve already got a long shaft Honda 2 so
I’ll try that and maybe shorten the shaft if it drags too much.

Thank you!

I dIY'd my mount to the Weekendwarrior's v2 style - WITHOUT the hinge. I made some dimensional changes, I prefered having top and bottom plates 'pinching' the rear crossbar. I also added a lightweight 1.5" diameter crossbar above the rudders to prevent the motor mount from bouncing with the motor's weight.