Apr 26

Apr 26 Bob's Machine Nose Cone Install

If you’re into performance boats, chances are you have used or have ridden in a boat that was using one of Bob’s Machine jack plates, nose cones or motor mounts. From its incarnation in 1978, Bob’s Machine has been leading the way in innovative marine products. Jack plates are the staple of the business and with the outboard market growing, Bob’s Machine has had to innovate and deliver cutting edge products that set the pace in a fast moving industry. Proudly made in the USA, we want to take a look at some of the unique products that come out of the Bob's Machine factory in Florida and document a factory nose cone install.

One of the great things about Bob’s is that their products are designed with performance boaters in mind, they know how specific and technical their products have to be in order to work in the real world, whether it’s a professional race team or a weekend warrior, Bob’s has truly innovated in the outboard performance market.

Because jack plates are the key driver of the business, it is easy to overlook other great products they make. When you are setting up an outboard performance boat, one of the first things you will want to address is the steering and engine mounts. We have gone over this in other articles but without solid mounts, you are giving up much needed steering sharpness and control. Bob’s solid mounts come in sets for popular outboards, so you can begin to turn an ordinary outboard into a performance outboard easily.

What is more apparent when you are running speeds in excess of 80 MPH, is the need for a lower unit design that can handle the speeds, and ensure proper water pressure when the engine is running really high. When it comes to lower units, Bob’s Machine has a line of nose cones and stabilizer plates that can help you dial in your rig. The Bigfoot nose cone is very popular with engines 150 HP and up, and has a proven design. You can order a kit that includes all hardware, epoxy, hoses and fittings, but the benefit of having Bob’s do it is you get a factory, like new finish when it is done. There are other configurations available and these kits can fit almost any engine.

Step 1
You send Bob’s Machine your gearcase. Bob’s then sandlblasts the unit to remove the factory finish.

Step 2
With the new nosecone centerlined to the propshaft while fixed in place, the cone is welded on.

Step 3
The cone is blended in using fillers, then carefully shaped with grinders and files. The original side water inlets are filled to prevent air getting in the new water supply.

Step 4
To prepare for paint, an etching primer is used, followed by a finish primer. The perfectly prepared surface is now ready for finish paint. Bob’s lower units finished at the factory are beautiful and really transform your outboard.