# Soft Wood Under Motor Mount **URL:** \ **Category:** Engine & Transmission Category\ **Created:** [October 21, 2026, 4:33pm UTC](https://nonsuch.discourse.group/t/soft-wood-under-motor-mount/10623 "2026-10-21T16:33:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jonlewit](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/nonsuch.discourse.group/jonlewit/32/725_2.png) [@jonlewit](https://nonsuch.discourse.group/u/jonlewit)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2026, 4:33pm UTC](https://nonsuch.discourse.group/t/soft-wood-under-motor-mount/10623/1 "2026-10-21T16:33:01Z")
During the Fall prep work on my 1983 26C, a new pair of eyes discovered that wood stringer under the rear port side motor mount for the W21 is soft. So for some time I’ve been relying on 2 of the 3 attach points. There must be some water leaking on it… but the more immediate question is whether to jump on it and schedule someone to remove the engine this winter (slide it forward out of the way) and replace a large piece of that wooden support, or if there is another (dare I say) “good enough” way to strengthen that section… The 26 does not leave you with much access to this area. This is not something I can do. Of course, removing the engine provides an opportunity to inspect and replace lots of other things (cha-ching). On one hand, that would be good, on the other, it’s a major expense in a 43 year old motor… Has anyone been down this road? Any electric powered 26 owners want to comment?? Thanks, Jon ---
**Author:** ![NS233\_Bob\_Neches](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/nonsuch.discourse.group/ns233_bob_neches/32/120_2.png) [@NS233\_Bob\_Neches](https://nonsuch.discourse.group/u/NS233_Bob_Neches)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2026, 3:41am UTC](https://nonsuch.discourse.group/t/soft-wood-under-motor-mount/10623/2 "2026-10-22T03:41:42Z")
Jon, What I learned replacing the engine on my N26U #233 was that (at least on mine) the engine stringer mounts were each formed by gluing two 1" pieces of marine plywood together, glassing them to the hull (but not glassing over the top), and covering with bilge paint. I was fortunate that the wood on mine was intact. I filled all the holes I saw with epoxy putty, and put epoxy sealant over the tops. I went electric. If the question is whether to put something different back in, given that the engine’s old and coming out anyway, I’m very happy that I switched. Cost for the work isn’t much different. Maintenance goes waaay down. A lot of space is freed up. If you’re a hardcore cruiser or want to resell your boat to one in the near future, range anxiety remains a real drawback. If not, electric’s great. If the question was whether one choice vs. the other changes the need to repair the stringers, I don’t think it does. An electric motor weighs a lot less (mine was 70 lbs. vs. 345 for the diesel). But it’s still spinning a prop with as much or more torque and drive as the diesel, so it still has to stay attached to the boat. Diesels are pretty refurbishable and last forever if properly rebuilt and maintained, for people who think doing (or paying for) that is fun. Speaking for myself, though, I never want to see a diesel again. -- Bob ---
**Author:** ![Rob](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/nonsuch.discourse.group/rob/32/11_2.png) [@Rob](https://nonsuch.discourse.group/u/Rob)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2026, 1:52pm UTC](https://nonsuch.discourse.group/t/soft-wood-under-motor-mount/10623/3 "2026-10-22T13:52:12Z")
Jon, You’re asking the right questions. I agree with your assessment that the third engine mount is important. Sort of like a three legged stool with a cracked leg. On Sunday while bringing Soave to her wintering spot, I hit a rock (pictures to follow, she was hauled yesterday). My interior inspection revealed the mounting platform for her hot water tank had rotted and one of the 4 screws holding in pulled out. I have to pull the tank and replace the wood with some modern material that won’t rot and figure out where the moisture came from. On the way back from from Greenport, Soave was tested in a way she hadn’t been tested in many years. We sailed downwind in 20-25 knot E wind with 6-8 foot seas. A storm overtook us and we saw some 35 knot gusts. She performed well but several weak spots were revealed and are on the list for winter maintenance. Finding a weakness prior to failure is an opportunity to avoid a disaster, so we both are fortunate. A little south of you ( assuming you are still at Kingston) there are a couple boatyards that have good service departments. They may provide helpful insight and possibly a worthy bid on the work. - **West Shore Marine Services** in Marlboro recently changed hands, and the new owners are maintaining the same level of quality. My mechanic is good friends with the previous owner who has retired. - **Whites Marina** in Wappingers. At the Rendezvous I spoke with an owner that was pleased with their work. **I believe** it was Jon Vallee, SV Vallee Girl, but don’t hold me to it, lots of boat talk in a very short time. If you trust the yard you winter in that’s a win. NS26’s are a popular model, usually sought by NS30 owners looking to downsize… informed buyers are willing to pay for a well maintained boat. ROI on NS26 maintenance might be a little better than other models. For Soave, maintenance is a labor of love. Goodluck, we’ll both have interesting winter challenges. Rob…