Converting notched transom to full transom with bracket.

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Anyone here done this?<br /><br />I've done some reading on this and of course now have questions. <br /><br />From what I've read, if the motor is set up to sit on the transom at the lowest mounting point, you can use the existing engine mount holes to mount the bracket to the transom. Right? MIght need additional bolts but the bracket will utilize the existing transom area. Sound correct?<br /><br />So then the filler piece that I would add to fill in the notch in the transom will be more cosmetic than structural, right? I would make it as strong as possible but I wouldn't have to worry about the filler piece supporting the engine or bracket, right? What I see doing is building a transom filler piece that fits right in the notch, then using some 1" dowels to make the joint along the top of the existing transom. Then final fiberglass and gelcoat. Might recruit help with the final gelcoating.<br /><br />I can do all of the work myself which is the only way I would even consider this, cost wise. I am good at woodworking and fiberglassing. <br /><br />I'm looking into this as a winter project. I'm tired of taking water over the back of the boat with me and my big buddies all in the back of the boat fishing in a chop. <br /><br />So? Thoughts? Advice? Buy a new boat? <br /><br />Thanks,

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Converting notched transom to full transom with bracket.

How the transom is filled depends on which bracket youre going to use. If the bracket has bolts that go thru the "fill", that area will have to be tied into the rest of the transom. The engine is always trying to bull back at the top.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Converting notched transom to full transom with bracket.

Sounds right on as far as what I've read. The Armstrong and Stainless Marine brackets which I've been eyeing up both seem to attach to the existing motor mount area. There's a project boat on the Mako forums that hung dual 4 strokes on an armstrong bracket without even filling in the notch. I just want to make sure I have the bases covered before I invest in the parts and start grinding away gelcoat in the fall. <br /><br />Anyone else?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Converting notched transom to full transom with bracket.

Actually I did what youre talking about to my Dusky. There was always water coming in the cutout part. I used a Bob's 10" hydraulic to move the motor back and just filled in the cut out. No need for strength as the plate used the existing holes. Worked very well.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Converting notched transom to full transom with bracket.

If I go with a short setback, I can't tilt the motor up out of the water. Otherwise I would definitely do that instead. I'm looking at a 29" bracket. <br /><br />Unless I make a transom hatch that just drops down when the boat is docked to allow for clearance. Hmm...

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Converting notched transom to full transom with bracket.

Thats exactally why I used a 10". With the motor down I can still use the entire trim range and if I run the plate up about half way I can tilt the motor fully.<br /><br />Naturally a lot depends on how high youre going to make the transom in front of the motor. All we did was fill in the cutout on the Dusky.<br /><br />Now, we're also in the middle of redoing an old Mako. I'm going to have a full transom on it. I'll use a Porta bracket on that. It has enough setback that the motor can be tilted at any position and enough lift that we can use a 20", 25" or 30" motor.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Converting notched transom to full transom with bracket.

Interesting. I'll have to do some measurements and get some specs on hydraulic jack plates. Maybe that's what I'll end up doing. Got a few months to plan this out. <br /><br />Thank you, yet again, D.