CMC BA-130 Break Away Mount - Outboards up to 130 HP
CMC BA-130 Break Away Mount - Outboards up to 130 HP — Product description
The CMC BA-130 Break Away Mount (MPN 13003) is an impact-protection mount that sits between your boat transom and outboard motor (up to 130 HP), allowing the motor to deflect up to 45 degrees when you hit submerged obstacles - sliding the motor up and over the obstacle instead of slamming the lower unit into it and breaking the prop, skeg, or motor housing. Designed specifically for boats navigating shallow, debris-heavy waters - typical applications include river fishing for catfish or salmon, swamp / backwater bass fishing, oyster bar inshore fishing, and shallow flats running where submerged logs, stumps, rocks, and oyster bars are unavoidable obstacles at low running speeds. The mount provides up to 45 degrees of upward rotation when the lower unit encounters resistance: hit a submerged log at slow speed, the motor's momentum drives it up and over the obstacle instead of stopping hard against it. A built-in drawbar spring returns the motor to normal running position after the obstacle is cleared - automatic recovery, no manual reset required. The spring also holds the motor in its normal running position during reverse operation at low RPM, preventing unintended deflection when backing up. CRITICAL operating limits: rated for outboards up to 130 HP maximum, designed to handle obstacle impacts at running speeds UNDER 5 MPH in the FORWARD direction only. Encountering obstructions above 5 MPH, encountering obstructions in reverse, or using on outboards above 130 HP exceeds the design envelope and won't deliver reliable protection (and may damage the BA-130 itself). The BA-130 is sized for typical small-boat / shallow-water applications where you operate at trolling / idle speed through obstacle-heavy water - not for high-speed running where impact protection at speed would require different engineering. Pre-drilled with the standard BIA hole pattern that matches all major outboard manufacturers' transom mounting bolts. For outboards with thumb-screw style transom clamps (smaller outboards in the 5-30 HP class), the CMC Transom Clamp Adapter (part 13022, sold separately) is required to interface with the BA-130. 28 lb unit weight. 1-year CMC limited warranty. Plumbs in between your existing transom and your existing outboard - no permanent modification to the boat.
The CMC BA-130 Break Away Mount is an impact-protection mount that sits between your boat transom and outboard motor (up to 130 HP), allowing the motor to deflect up to 45 degrees when you hit submerged obstacles. The mount slides the motor up and over the obstacle instead of slamming the lower unit into it and breaking the prop, skeg, or motor housing.
What it actually does. You're running slowly through shallow water - typical applications are river fishing, swamp / backwater bass fishing, oyster bar inshore fishing, shallow flats running. You hit a submerged log, stump, rock, or oyster bar with the lower unit of your outboard. Without the BA-130, the impact stops the lower unit hard against the obstacle - the result is typically a broken prop (best case), broken skeg, broken anti-cavitation plate, or a damaged lower unit casting that needs major service (worst case). With the BA-130, the impact triggers the mount to pivot up to 45 degrees, lifting the lower unit up and over the obstacle. The motor continues forward, sliding over the obstacle without the violent impact load. After clearing the obstacle, the built-in drawbar spring returns the motor to its normal running position automatically.
Why this matters for specific fishing applications. Several fishing scenarios involve unavoidable submerged obstacle encounters: (1) River fishing for catfish, salmon, or other species - rivers have submerged logs from fallen trees, rocks from natural geology, and seasonal debris that can't be avoided. (2) Swamp / backwater bass fishing - submerged stumps and logs are the whole point of the structure you're fishing on top of. (3) Oyster bar inshore fishing - oyster bars are sharp, hard underwater structures that ruin lower units instantly. (4) Shallow flats running - sandbars and oyster rafts are unavoidable. (5) Northern lake fishing - sunken stumps from decades-old logging operations remain hazards. The BA-130 is the standard solution for boats operating in these environments at typical slow / idle speeds.
45 degrees of upward rotation. The maximum deflection angle is 45 degrees - enough to lift the lower unit substantially over typical obstacles while still maintaining steering and thrust control. Less rotation (cheaper competing mounts) doesn't lift the motor far enough to clear meaningful obstacles. More rotation than 45 degrees would risk damage to the outboard's water intake (which depends on submersion for cooling) and could rotate the motor past the spring's recovery range. 45 degrees is the engineered sweet spot for the typical outboard / shallow water application.
Spring return - automatic recovery. The drawbar spring is the heart of the mount's recovery mechanism. After the motor deflects to clear an obstacle, the spring pulls it back to the normal running position automatically as soon as the obstacle resistance ends. No manual reset, no need to stop the boat - the motor returns to operating position and you continue forward without interruption. The spring also serves a secondary purpose: it holds the motor in normal running position during reverse operation at low RPM, preventing unintended deflection when backing up to a dock or maneuvering in reverse.
Operating limits - critical to understand. The BA-130 has specific operating limits that you must respect for the mount to protect you reliably: (1) Maximum outboard power: 130 HP. Larger outboards apply more force during impact than the spring and mount structure can handle - the BA-130 itself can be damaged in addition to the outboard. (2) Maximum impact speed: under 5 MPH in the forward direction. Above 5 MPH, the impact energy exceeds the mount's deflection capacity - the motor doesn't have time to lift over the obstacle before the impact damages the lower unit. (3) Direction: forward only. The mount isn't designed to handle obstructions in reverse - reverse-direction impacts can cause the mount to fail in unexpected ways. Practical interpretation: the BA-130 is engineered for slow / idle operation in shallow obstacle-heavy water where you EXPECT to encounter obstacles. It's not a high-speed crash protection device.
What if you exceed the limits? At higher speeds or with larger outboards, the BA-130 can be damaged or fail to provide protection: the mount might bind in the deflected position, the drawbar spring might over-stretch and lose its return force, the mounting bolts could shear under excessive load, or the motor could deflect past the safe rotation range. Practical risk: at 8 MPH impact with a submerged log on a 130 HP outboard, you can damage both the BA-130 AND the outboard. Operate within the rated limits to get the protection the mount is designed to deliver.
Standard BIA hole pattern. The BA-130 is pre-drilled with the standard BIA (Boating Industry Association) hole pattern that matches all major outboard manufacturers' transom mounting bolts. You install the BA-130 in your existing transom bolt holes, then mount your outboard to the BA-130 using the standard outboard mounting bolts. Universal compatibility with virtually all current and recent outboard models. The mount is engineered to maintain the proper running depth of your outboard - the BA-130 adds some thickness between the transom and outboard, but the mounting position accommodates this without affecting prop submersion at running speed.
Outboards with thumb-screw clamps. For smaller outboards in the 5-30 HP class that use thumb-screw style transom clamps instead of permanent transom bolts, the CMC Transom Clamp Adapter (part 13022, sold separately) is required to interface with the BA-130. The adapter accepts the thumb-screw clamps on its top surface and bolts to the BA-130 through the standard hole pattern. For permanent-bolt-mount outboards (typical 40+ HP), the adapter isn't needed - bolt directly to the BA-130.
Install. Plan for 2-4 hours for an experienced installer. Tasks: (1) Remove the outboard from the transom (typical task - support the motor on a hoist, disconnect fuel and electric connections, remove the transom mounting bolts). (2) Mount the BA-130 on the transom using the existing transom bolt holes - the BIA pattern matches the original mounting bolts. Use stainless mounting hardware and seal the bolt holes with marine adhesive sealant. (3) Mount the outboard onto the BA-130 using the standard outboard mounting bolts. (4) Reconnect fuel, electrical, control cables. The cables typically have enough slack to accommodate the BA-130's thickness, but check before final mounting. (5) Test the BA-130's deflection range manually before launching - confirm the motor can pivot through the full 45 degrees and returns to normal position smoothly.
What's not included. The BA-130 ships as the mount unit only. NOT included: mounting hardware (use stainless bolts appropriate for your transom thickness), marine adhesive sealant for the bolt holes, the Transom Clamp Adapter (sold separately if your outboard uses thumb-screw clamps), or any modifications to your outboard.
Use case considerations. The BA-130 makes sense for boats that regularly operate in obstacle-heavy shallow water - if you primarily fish or run in open water without submerged obstacles, the BA-130 adds weight and complexity without proportional benefit. The mount adds 28 lb of weight at the transom and introduces a flex point in the transom-outboard connection. For occasional shallow-water operation, the BA-130 may be overkill. For boats that operate in obstacle-heavy water as the primary use case, the BA-130 is the standard reference solution for protecting your outboard.
Warranty. CMC 1-year limited warranty against defects in workmanship. Save the receipt and the original packaging. Warranty service runs through CMC's authorized service network. Most field issues CMC sees are user-error related (operating outside the rated speed / direction / power limits, damage from impact events outside the design envelope) rather than manufacturing defects - operating within the rated limits delivers reliable service.
Key Features
- CMC BA-130 Break Away Mount for outboard impact protection
- Sits between boat transom and outboard motor
- Up to 45 degrees of upward motor deflection on obstacle impact
- Built-in drawbar spring returns motor to normal position automatically
- Spring also holds motor in normal position during reverse operation
- Rated for outboards up to 130 HP maximum
- Operating limit: under 5 MPH in forward direction only
- NOT for reverse-direction impacts
- NOT for high-speed impact protection
- Standard BIA hole pattern - matches all major outboard manufacturers
- For outboards with permanent transom-bolt mounting (direct compatibility)
- For outboards with thumb-screw clamps - requires CMC adapter part 13022 (sold separately)
- Designed for shallow / debris-heavy water applications
- For river fishing, swamp / backwater bass, oyster bar inshore, shallow flats
- Protects against prop, skeg, lower unit damage from submerged obstacles
- Universal outboard compatibility within the 130 HP rating
- Pre-drilled mount installs in existing transom bolt holes
- Mounting hardware NOT included (supply stainless bolts)
- Marine adhesive sealant NOT included
- 28 lb unit weight (33 lb shipping weight)
- CMC 1-year limited warranty against workmanship defects
- Manufacturer Part Number 13003
Why Buy from NVN Marine
- Authorized CMC Marine Products reseller, full manufacturer warranty
- NMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs
- Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items
- NY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store
Technical specifications
| Title | CMC BA-130 Break Away Mount - Impact Protection Mount for Outboards up to 130 HP in Shallow / Debris-Heavy Water |
|---|---|
| Brand | CMC Marine Products |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 13003 |
| UPC | Not provided by manufacturer |
| Model | BA-130 |
| Type | Break-away impact protection mount |
| Maximum Outboard Horsepower | 130 HP |
| Maximum Deflection | 45 degrees upward |
| Recovery | Automatic via drawbar spring |
| Maximum Impact Speed | Under 5 MPH |
| Operating Direction | Forward only (NOT reverse) |
| Hole Pattern | Standard BIA (Boating Industry Association) |
| Outboard Mounting Compatibility | Permanent transom-bolt mounting (direct) |
| Thumb-Screw Clamp Outboards | Requires CMC Transom Clamp Adapter part 13022 (sold separately) |
| Applications | River, swamp, oyster bar, shallow flats fishing |
| NOT For | High-speed impact protection, outboards over 130 HP, reverse-direction impacts |
| Unit Weight | 28 lb |
| Shipping Weight | 33 lb (30.35 lb actual) |
| Mounting Hardware | NOT included (supply stainless bolts) |
| Marine Adhesive Sealant | NOT included |
| Warranty | CMC 1-year limited against workmanship defects |
Frequently asked questions
What does this mount actually do?
It's an impact-protection mount that sits between your boat transom and outboard motor (up to 130 HP), allowing the motor to deflect up to 45 degrees when you hit submerged obstacles. You're running slowly through shallow water and you hit a submerged log, stump, rock, or oyster bar with the lower unit. Without the BA-130, the impact stops the lower unit hard against the obstacle - typical result is a broken prop, broken skeg, or damaged lower unit casting. With the BA-130, the impact triggers the mount to pivot up to 45 degrees, lifting the lower unit up and over the obstacle. After clearing the obstacle, the drawbar spring returns the motor to its normal running position automatically.
What outboards work with this?
Outboards up to 130 HP maximum. The BA-130 is rated for the small-to-mid-size outboard class - typical applications are 25-130 HP outboards on aluminum boats, jon boats, small bass boats, and similar shallow-water platforms. For larger outboards (above 130 HP) the impact forces exceed the BA-130's design envelope. For outboards with permanent transom-bolt mounting (typical 40+ HP), the BA-130 bolts up directly using the standard BIA hole pattern. For outboards with thumb-screw clamps (typical 5-30 HP), the CMC Transom Clamp Adapter (part 13022, sold separately) is required.
What speed limit applies?
Under 5 MPH in the forward direction only. Above 5 MPH, the impact energy exceeds the mount's deflection capacity - the motor doesn't have time to lift over the obstacle before the impact damages the lower unit. Reverse-direction impacts are explicitly NOT supported. Practical interpretation: the BA-130 is engineered for slow / idle operation in shallow obstacle-heavy water where you EXPECT to encounter obstacles. It's not a high-speed crash protection device. For boats that operate at planing speed through obstacle-heavy water, no transom mount can adequately protect the outboard at speed - the only solution is to slow down before entering obstacle-prone water.
What if I hit something at higher speed or in reverse?
The BA-130 can be damaged or fail to provide protection at higher speeds or in reverse. The mount might bind in the deflected position, the drawbar spring might over-stretch and lose its return force, the mounting bolts could shear under excessive load, or the motor could deflect past the safe rotation range. At 8 MPH impact with a submerged log on a 130 HP outboard, you can damage both the BA-130 AND the outboard. Operate within the rated limits to get the protection the mount is designed to deliver. If you hit something hard at speed or in reverse, inspect the BA-130 thoroughly for damage before continuing operation.
Where is this useful?
Several fishing scenarios involve unavoidable submerged obstacle encounters: (1) River fishing for catfish, salmon - rivers have submerged logs from fallen trees, rocks from natural geology, and seasonal debris. (2) Swamp / backwater bass fishing - submerged stumps and logs are the structure you're fishing on. (3) Oyster bar inshore fishing - oyster bars ruin lower units instantly. (4) Shallow flats running - sandbars and oyster rafts are unavoidable. (5) Northern lake fishing - sunken stumps from decades-old logging operations remain hazards. The BA-130 is the standard solution for boats operating in these environments at typical slow / idle speeds.
What's the install like?
Plan for 2-4 hours for an experienced installer. Tasks: remove the outboard from the transom (support on a hoist, disconnect fuel / electric, remove transom mounting bolts), mount the BA-130 on the transom using the existing transom bolt holes (the BIA pattern matches the original mounting bolts), use stainless mounting hardware and seal the bolt holes with marine adhesive sealant, mount the outboard onto the BA-130 using the standard outboard mounting bolts, reconnect fuel / electrical / control cables, test the deflection range manually before launching.
Will my throttle and control cables reach?
Probably yes, but check before final mounting. The BA-130 adds some thickness between the transom and outboard, which means throttle, shift, fuel, and electrical cables need slightly more length to reach. Most cables have enough slack from factory-original installation to accommodate the BA-130's thickness without modification. If your cables are at the limit of their reach (common with longer aftermarket cables or modified boats), you may need cable extensions or replacement with longer cables. Check during install before final mounting.
Will it affect my outboard running depth?
No - the BA-130 is engineered to maintain the proper running depth of your outboard. The mount adds some thickness between the transom and outboard, but the mounting position accommodates this without affecting prop submersion at running speed. Your outboard will run at the same depth above / below waterline as before. If your existing setup has the outboard mounted at an extreme height (high-water installation for shallow operation), verify the BA-130 doesn't lift the outboard above the optimum running depth before final install.
Do I need the Transom Clamp Adapter?
Depends on your outboard. For outboards with permanent transom-bolt mounting (typical 40+ HP, the standard mounting style for medium and larger outboards), the BA-130 bolts up directly using the standard BIA hole pattern - no adapter needed. For outboards with thumb-screw clamps (typical 5-30 HP, the standard mounting for small outboards), the CMC Transom Clamp Adapter (part 13022, sold separately) is required. The adapter accepts thumb-screw clamps on its top surface and bolts to the BA-130 through the standard hole pattern. Verify your outboard's mounting style before ordering.
Is the BA-130 worth it for occasional shallow-water operation?
Probably not. The BA-130 makes sense for boats that REGULARLY operate in obstacle-heavy shallow water as the primary use case. If you primarily fish in open water without submerged obstacles and only occasionally venture into obstacle-prone water, the BA-130 adds 28 lb of weight at the transom and introduces a flex point in the transom-outboard connection without proportional benefit. For occasional shallow operations, the BA-130 may be overkill - careful navigation and slow speeds typically suffice. For frequent obstacle-encounter operations, the BA-130 is the reference solution.
Will it work on aluminum boats?
Yes - the BA-130 works on aluminum transoms as well as fiberglass transoms. The mounting requirements are the same - use proper backing material (a backing plate inside the transom) to distribute the mounting load across the thin aluminum, use stainless bolts to avoid galvanic corrosion between the aluminum hull and the mount, and seal the bolt holes with marine adhesive sealant to prevent water intrusion through the transom. Most BA-130 installations are on aluminum jon boats and small aluminum fishing boats where shallow-water operation is the primary use case.
What's the warranty?
CMC 1-year limited warranty against defects in workmanship. Save the receipt and the original packaging. Warranty service runs through CMC's authorized service network. Most field issues CMC sees are user-error related (operating outside the rated speed / direction / power limits, damage from impact events outside the design envelope) rather than manufacturing defects - operating within the rated limits delivers reliable service.
