FLANGE ORIENTED INCORRECTLY

T-H Marine and a number of engine brands offer outboard rigging flanges designed with a separate fuel-line port for access to a primer bulb. The fuel line rejoins the rigging hose after the bulb via a hose union about a foot later. It’s a system that works well on vertical and slightly angled surfaces. To minimize the chances for water intrusion from backwash and spray, the flange mounting instructions call for positioning the fuel port at the top.

While the installation in this photo is clean and neat, the fuelline port is not at 12 o’clock, but more like the 2 o’clock position.

It’s not as bad as being at the bottom, but it does not comply with the mounting instructions. If you are contemplating the installation of a rigging flange with a separate fuel-line port, read the directions carefully to be aware of proper orientation before you start drilling any holes. And if you’re looking to buy an outboard-powered boat, check out the rigging flange to ensure it is mounted correctly.