Aluminum Transom vs Wood

[EvanJones]

I’ve recently bought a boat that started as a Jon boat, but at some point had work done to make it a bit more durable. I am currently trying to redo the transom and was wondering what the pros and cons of an aluminum transom is? The boat will have a 70hp motor on it.

thanks

 

[Scott Danforth]

weight.

however regarding a 70hp, is the boat rated for that now? no amount of "reinforcing" will increase HP capacity.

 

[EvanJones]

weight.

however regarding a 70hp, is the boat rated for that now? no amount of "reinforcing" will increase HP capacity.

Well the boat was originally rated for a 40 horse, but now is re-enforced with aluminum bars and thicket metal plating on the transom

 

[jbcurt00]

Well the boat was originally rated for a 40 horse, but now is re-enforced with aluminum bars and thicket metal plating on the transom

Doesnt change the capacity rating of the boat, no matter how much metal has been added....

Actually lowers boats weight capacity by the amount of added metal weight along w added weight of other mods

Whoever modified the jon boat did it a disservice

 

[Scott Danforth]

its rated at a 40hp based on the overall lenght and the beam / height of the transom and you cant change that

adding more HP to a jon boat is a recipe for death.

 

[roffey]

I normally don't jump in on this type of post as its just looking for a huge debate and all sorts of advice, both good and bad... but this time these guys are spot on.. way more to max HP than the transom.

 

[EvanJones]

Thanks guys, maybe I’ll have to rethink the motor setup

 

[Texasmark]

its rated at a 40hp based on the overall lenght and the beam / height of the transom and you cant change that

adding more HP to a jon boat is a recipe for death.

.....and an invitation for a law suit or worse if involved in an accident, plus a ticket if law enforcement is involved.....Powering over BIA certification limits can be costly.
To answer your question, Transom braces would be the main thing. Course they have to be anchored to something besides unsupported bottom sheet covering. If you made the transom infinitely thick from whatever, it is attached to the hull at the sides and bottom. I knew of a guy who had a Fat 60 Evinrude (1950's V4) on a home-made wooden boat. Upon first launch, hammered down on the throttle for the hole shot (he did get that...a HOLE shot) and the engine ripped the transom (mostly) off the rear of the hull. Onlookers got a big laugh out of it. Owner didn't and the submerged engine was in salt water, running when submerged!!!!!

 

[DeepCMark58A]

In my early 20's thought putting a 9.9 hp motor on a jon boat rated for a 5hp was an ok idea. It lasted for a couple weeks till the transom let lose in the corner. It all ended up on the bottom of the Mississippi.

 

[ahicks]

I'm not going to get into the debate regarding hp, but from the standpoint of replacing a ply reinforced transom with one made from aluminum, I say go for it.