1977 transom
 

just baught a '77 hull no motor. everything is solid it has a 20" transom. Should i raise the transom 5" or close it and put a bracket? I have experenced a 20" transom and find it to a little wet inside. What size motor will give enough HP but not change the waterline?

Re: 1977 transom
 

I have a '75 20'SF and have not raised the transom - I found that any motor under 375 lbs. and moving the oil tank and battery forward will keep the waterline high enough to avoid wet feet. In order to get a motor that light generally requires a 2S 4 cyl. motor - 130 hp works well at about 350 lbs. and will move the boat at about 40 mph. I have a 2003 carbed 2S 175 hp Johnson that weighs 385 lbs. and will move the boat in excess of 50 mph.

Re: 1977 transom
 

Congrats on the purchase!

Assuming that you may have to rebuild a 30 year old transom and have not yet picked out an engine, I really can't see the benefit of not raising from 20" to 25". I nursed along my original 20" 1969 transom with a jack plate as long as I could and since the rebuild have no regrets having the extra 5". Now I have fewer worries of too many people crowding the stern or taking a wave when backing down.

Not sure what size boat you have but I think the bracket issue is a matter of personal choice - hopefully others will chime in. I considered it but thought it might negatively affect the performance of a 20SF. I could not be happier with my setup of a 130HP 2S Yam on my 25" transom.

Best of luck with your decision.