14' Flat Bottom Transom Issue

[astuckey]

Hi, I have a Lowe 1436 flat bottom boat. I bought it new, at the beginning of last year, and put a 60 pound 4hp outboard on it. The boat is rated for 15 hp, and it only went 15 mph with the 4 hp, so this year, I decided to upgrade. I bought a new yamaha 15 HP 4 stroke outboard, that weighs 112 pounds, and was more satisfied with 25 mph. I never thought too much about the weight, because the plate on the transom says 15HP max. The boat floats at a reasonable level, so I thought it would be fine. About a week ago, I started hearing a noise, that sounds like small cracks, coming from the corners of the boats stern, on initial acceleration. I took a piece of a hockey stick, held it up to the transom, and sure enough, it was curved. I am not sure if this happened because of the weight of the motor, or if it was the force of the motor, pushing the middle of the transom, and pulling the top. Maybe both...I am not sure. So heres what I need to find out. 1. Is the power/weight combination of the motor too much for the transom? 2. What can I do to reinforce the transom, to solve this problem?

Thanks!

 

[busted-bayliner]

Re: 14' Flat Bottom Transom Issue

ur boat was prolly rated for a 15 hp 2 stroke 4 strokes are alot heavier

 

[tomdinwv]

Re: 14' Flat Bottom Transom Issue

First thought that goes through my head would be a wider piece of 3/4 plywood on the transom with piece of steel (wider than the bracket, sticking out several inches on each side) mounted to the plywood. Seems to me that would keep the flexing of the transom to a minimum.

Other's may (probably LOL) have a better idea to help you out.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 14' Flat Bottom Transom Issue

Do you trailer your boat with a transom saver?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 14' Flat Bottom Transom Issue

because the boat is relatively new, I'd start with Lowe on that one. sounds like the transom core isn't sound.

 

[64osby]

Re: 14' Flat Bottom Transom Issue

I assume this boat does not have a warranty that you could claim anywhere, this is a welded boat and the transom wood is still strong.

First inspect your corners and welds, see if any are cracked or failing. If they are take it to a pro and have them fixed.

If they are okay or after weld repairs, I would find a thick at least 1/4' maybe 1/2" thick piece of aluminum at a scrap yard, alum fabricator, or supply house. The size would be as wide as your boat and as deep as your motor mounts. I would remove the current bolts, get longer ones stainless. Slather it with 3M 5200 and bolt on the new transom piece.

Even if you were to go back to the smaller motor it looks like there is some damage and some type of fix is required. My .02

 

[jestor68]

Re: 14' Flat Bottom Transom Issue

According to their wed site, Lowe boats have a 10 year structural warranty on their hulls.

Why would you be messing with it yourself?

 

[MWG2600]

Re: 14' Flat Bottom Transom Issue

Call lowe, To bad my 1984 is out of warranty! has a crack...

 

[jestor68]

Re: 14' Flat Bottom Transom Issue

ur boat was prolly rated for a 15 hp 2 stroke 4 strokes are alot heavier

No such thing as ratings for 2 stroke vs 4 stroke. HP rating is HP rating.

 

[5150abf]

Re: 14' Flat Bottom Transom Issue

As jestor said power is power and the transom rating has little or nithing to do with the engine weight, that 112 is nothing compared to the torque that is put on under full throttle.

This si a warranty issue nothing you did, contact a Lowe dealer as soon as possible and let thm know that you have a problem, don't do anyhting to the boat or you may void the warranty on it, keep it exactly as it is now.