Building up a transom

[Grizzlybear]

The boat is up for winter, so I am planning a big project.

I have a 50hp Mercury currently sat on this:

Its basically too small a motor, I want to put an 80/90hp on. The problem is that I need a short shaft outboard to fit the boat. If I could place a long shaft on the boat, then it would be far better. I mean in terms of availability, there are just far more long and medium shafts on the market (based in Sweden). Short shafts are pricey, but most importantly nearly impossible to come by second hand. (ones over 9hp anyway)

I have looked into jackplates and that, but it will look ugly, and I am not even sure how I would go about fitting it.

So my idea is to build up my existing transom

I will add pics and diagrams as I go along.

Any and all input will be so gratefully received.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Building up a transom

Welcome to iBoats!
WOW, That is ONE BEEEEEUUUUUUTTTTTTEEEEEEFFFFFUUUULLLLL Boat!!!!
Based on what I am seeing, extending your transom 5 inches should NOT be a problem. It appears you have plenty of space to work with and you should be able to fabricate and extension without any problem.

Take some better pics of the transom area, and I'm sure you will have all the suggestions you can handle.

I'm just sayin...

 

[Grizzlybear]

Re: Building up a transom

Thanks for the reply there! Glad you liked the boat. Going to take some better pics to tonight and illustrate on them exactly What I mean.

I have a chap who is going to fabricate me a hood in stainless steel (3mm) that will sit on back of the boat.

The only concern I have is the balance of the boat, I am looking to go up to an 85 HP. Need to find out the weights. I have loose fuel tanks at the back, so there is a fair bit of weight already at the stern. Perhaps I need to fit a a static tank at the bow.

Will repost pics and weights.

 

[Grizzlybear]

Re: Building up a transom

Here's what I envisage. Apologies for the drawing, its a crime against artistic culture, but there you go.

The red being the stainless steel hood.

Any tips?

 

[Grizzlybear]

Re: Building up a transom

Here is a serve ball, this motor just came on the market and is a short shaft, would save me a lot of welding. urghhh