What Is Boat Rigging?

Boat rigging — what is it? How does it work?

Rigging gets boats ready for customers’ intended use, whether it’s for something as specific as bass fishing or for general pleasure.

It’s important for marine technicians to have a broad knowledge of rigging, as a key part of their role is to install and configure all types of equipment and engines.

Keep reading to learn all about boat rigging, including what it is, specific steps to follow and more!

Key Summary Points

• Boat rigging involves configuring a boat to suit the customer's intended use, aligning with manufacturer recommendations, and can vary significantly depending on the type of boat. This process includes installing and configuring equipment and engines, with a focus on outboard rigging in this blog.
• The outboard rigging process includes several key steps such as finding the transom center using the arc method, determining engine spacing to avoid interference, drilling mounting holes with precision, determining the transom height for optimal engine placement, and uncrating and mounting the engine with attention to detail regarding bolt types and torque specifications.
• Rigging is crucial for marine technicians, as it is a significant part of their role to ensure boats are ready for their intended use. Proper rigging affects the boat's performance, safety and customer satisfaction.
• The Marine Technician Specialist training program at Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) offers comprehensive training in boat rigging, among other skills, preparing graduates to pursue entry-level roles in the marine industry.^1.3 The program includes manufacturer-specific courses for brands like Honda Marine, Mercury Marine, Suzuki Marine, Volvo Penta and Yamaha Marine.
• MMI provides graduates with a foundation of knowledge needed to pursue careers in the marine industry, with marine mechanic training offered at its campus in Orlando, Florida. The institute emphasizes hands-on learning with state-of-the-industry tools and technology, aiming to equip students with the necessary skills for a career in marine mechanics and boat rigging.¹⁸

Read: Is Being a Marine Technician a Good Career?

What Is Boat Rigging?

Rigging a boat involves configuring it in a way that best suits what the customer will be using the boat for and is in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. As you can imagine, this process looks different for every type of boat. In this blog, we will break down outboard rigging and how it works.

How To Rig a Boat: Outboard Rigging

Installing an outboard engine, which is called “rigging,” involves much more than simply bolting the outboard to the transom. It includes connecting the steering system, throttle and shift controls, navigation and communication systems, engine control systems and more.

When it comes to rigging outboard engines, the process can be broken down into the following steps:

Step #1: Find the transom center

To rig an outboard engine, you must find the transom center of the boat using the arc method. To do so, select two identical locations as a reference point and use a straightedge to strike an arc near the top of the transom that crosses the centerline of the transom.

Using the same reference point on the opposite side of the transom, strike a second arc that crosses the centerline of the transom. Repeat these steps using the same reference points on the boat, but move in three or four inches on the straightedge to strike the second arc.

Use a straightedge to draw a straight line through the intersecting points of the upper and lower arcs. This vertical line represents the transom centerline. Then, place the template on the transom aligning the center marks of the template with the vertical line.

Read: Marine Mechanic Median Annual Salary: Top Paying by State Ranking

Step #2: Engine spacing

Engine spacing is necessary for both single and dual engines, as it provides clearance so that there is no interference when the motors pivot on their steering axis or on their tilt axis.

On a single engine, remember to position them on the centerline of the transom. With dual engines, offset each engine a minimum amount from the transom centerline to allow for a full turning radius.

Step #3: Drilling the mounting holes

To drill the mounting holes, start by selecting the proper hole pattern based on the engine being mounted. Before starting to drill, check inside the transom area for anything that could be damaged during drilling.

Verify that all four holes are accessible from the inside, and make sure the top hole is at least the manufacturer’s recommended distance below the top of the transom. Keeping the drill bit at a 90-degree angle to the transom, drill holes while using the transom drilling fixture as a guide.

Read: Victor Claudio’s Dream Career as a Lead Tech With the Ocean Always in Sight

Step #4: Determining the transom height

To determine the transom height, measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the boat at engine centerline. Select the correct engine shaft length and align the anti-ventilation plate so it’s level and at the recommended distance in relation to the bottom of the boat.

The benefits of raising the engine mounting height are decreased steering torque, increased boat stability, increased propeller ventilation during planing and increased maximum speed.

Step #5: Uncrating the engine

To uncrate the engine, start by taking pictures of the crate showing all corners to document any damage. Then, verify that there are no parts missing, as missing parts are the manufacturer’s responsibility.

Place the crate in the position indicated by the manufacturer’s crate markings and remove the cardboard, unpack all accessory items and set them aside. Refer to the manufacturer service manual for uncrating procedures.

Read: How To Train To Become a Marine Dealership Mechanic

Step #6: Mounting the engine

To ensure proper engine mounting, check that the top holes are not less than the manufacturer’s recommended distance from the transom top surface.

Connect the steering cable to the motor prior to mounting the motor, and match the upper and lower mounting bolt positions. If the upper mounting bolts are installed in the top hole, the lower mounting bolts should be installed at the lower mounting slot. Then, insert the mounting bolt from inside of the transom.

When mounting the engine to the transom, remember the following:

• Mounting bolts are metric thread — do not mix with SAE fasteners.
• Use underwater-grade sealer on bolts to protect the transom.
• Use thread lubricant to avoid galling the mounting bolt threads.
• The bolt must extend completely through the washer and nut.
• Torque all mounting bolts to manufacturer specifications.

Step #7: Installing dual engines

To install dual engines, mount the counter-rotation engine on the port side when dual engines are used. Use dual-cable steering for engines 150 horsepower and above or with boats that are capable of attaining 50 mph or more.

Refer to the boat manufacturer for information about dual installation. Engine wakes should meet at approximately 61 to 78 feet behind the boat.

Measure from the centerline of the steering arms and the centerline of prop shafts. Install the tie bar between the two motors, using the outer mounting hole in the steering arm. Adjust the toe-out—up to 1-inch toe-out is best.

One nut on the tie bar enables the tilting of one motor without bending the rod. Ensure the props turn outward and that counter-rotation is on the port side.

Read: Common Boat Engine Problems

Ship Rigging Career Prospects

Many people who enter the ship-rigging field start as entry-level marine technicians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides useful information regarding the boat-rigging salary and outlook prospects to give you an estimate.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for motorboat mechanics and service technicians in the United States was $49,990 in May 2023.³¹ This means half of marine technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

How Rigging a Boat Applies to a Career in the Marine Industry

So why is boat rigging important, and how does it apply to a career in the marine industry?

Marine technicians spend their days working on a variety of different types of boats and engines, and a key component of their job is getting boats ready for the customer’s intended use. For this reason, knowing how to rig a boat is an essential skill to have.

In the Marine Technician Specialist training program offered at Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI), students are taught everything from electrical diagnostics to the fundamentals of outboard rigging.^1.3

This 51-week program includes a series of manufacturer-specific courses, where students have the opportunity to learn the design and operation unique to leading manufacturers, including:⁷

• Honda Marine
• Mercury Marine
• Suzuki Marine
• Volvo Penta
• Yamaha Marine

Whether you dream of working on motorboats, sportfishing boats, sailboats or all of the above, MMI can provide you with a foundation of skills you can build on as you pursue a career in the marine industry. Classes begin every six weeks, so you may be able to start your training sooner than you think.

Curious about the types of careers you may be able to pursue in the marine industry? Check out our marine career guide.

Read: Disney’s Fleet in Orlando, Florida, Is No Small World: David Hart

Boat Rigging FAQs

1. What are sailing boat rigging mistakes?

One common sailing boat rigging mistake is failing to double-check that all lines are lead correctly, which can lead to tangled lines and operational issues later on. Additionally, not ensuring that the rigging is tensioned properly can affect the boat's performance, causing it to fail in strong winds or during maneuvers.

2. How does outboard motor rigging differ from traditional sailing boat rigging?

Outboard motor rigging primarily focuses on the installation of the engine, its connections to the boat's controls and ensuring that all electronic systems integrate seamlessly. Traditional sailing boat rigging emphasizes the setup of sails and masts. This means that outboard rigging involves more mechanical components and electrical settings than just the fabric and lines found in sailing boats.

3. What are the best practices for maintaining and inspecting the rigging on a boat?

Regularly inspecting the rigging for signs of wear or damage is essential, as it can prevent catastrophic failures while out on the water. Additionally, applying the right lubrication to moving parts and ensuring that all connections are securely fastened will help maintain both safety and performance levels.

4. What tools and equipment are essential for rigging a boat?

Essential tools for rigging a boat include a variety of winches, a set of proper line clippers, and a rigging wrench for adjusting tension. It's also important to have a tape measure for accurate measurements and possibly a splicing tool for creating strong, reliable connections in the lines.

5. How has modern technology influenced boat rigging techniques and materials?

Modern technology has introduced advanced materials like high-tensile synthetic lines, which are lighter and stronger than traditional options, greatly improving performance. Additionally, electronic advancements allow for better monitoring of rigging tension and trim, enabling boaters to make real-time adjustments for optimal operational efficiency.

Read: Marissa Andrews: Making Waves in the Marine Industry

Learn Boat Rigging & Other Marine Tech Skills at MMI!

Marine Mechanics Institute has the instructors, facilities, and industry tools and technology to help you prepare to pursue an exciting career.^1.3 While enrolled, you can learn the fundamentals of marine technology—including hands-on boat rigging skills!¹⁸

To learn more, head to our website and request information online or call us at 1-800-834-7308 to get in touch with one of our Admissions Representatives today.

MMI Campuses That Offer Marine Mechanic Training

• Orlando, Florida