and no doubt the force of setting on the teak pad, a bit clumsily, was what caused the failure... But I did notice only about a 1/4 of wood at that location... really a very weak spot.

Indeed a bit of a rough cruise might have done the same darn thing... so I am glad it failed when and how it did. This also is what prompted me to question whether this is the best way to "carry" the outboard. I very much doubt it would fit in the lazerette.

The boat itself is darn big... I put it on the foredeck and it limits my use of the staysail. Of course I could deflate it completely on a long passage. It inflates quickly with the footpump... pleased at that.