hello, I am in the process of restoring a 1976 Starcraft mariner 18’ center console. Currently the boat has a 70hp Yamaha and a large splashwell. Now I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel here but I’m afraid that is in fact what I am doing. I want to rid myself of the splashwell, and when I re-do the transom make it tall enough so that it is even with the gunwales. Then rather than mount the outboard on the transom (obviously too high out of water at that point) Mount it either on a setback plate or high offset manual jack plate(8-12” of setback overall). The reason I want to rid myself of the splashwell is it will add about 2’ to the interior of the boat(maybe less if I decide some sort of storage). I would run rigging through rigging grommets in the transom. I fish this boat on Erie often which is why I’d prefer the high sided transom and the extra amount of room for walleye trolling.
My fear is I will be moving too much weight sternward especially when you consider I want to Repower with a new motor in a few years as well. Willing to listen to any and all opinions and perhaps other options.
My fear is I will be moving too much weight sternward especially when you consider I want to Repower with a new motor in a few years as well. Willing to listen to any and all opinions and perhaps other options.