20' MA
 

What's the consensus on this? I'm looking at a 20 MA on cl and the picture of the transom clearly shows some kind of plate between the motor and the transom. When I inquired whether it was to beef up a weak transom, the owner, who aquired it from the original owner says that it was installed from the factory for twin installations. It is painted/gelcoated same as the hull. I have owned 4 23's and 1 other 20' MA and seen countless others, but have never heard this one.

Re: 20' MA
 

I'm certainly not sure about factory but I doubt that - I did put an alum plate on my 23 when I put the V8 on and the transom was good, just trying spread the power.

Re: 20' MA
 

Not factory. Check the transom for wet.

Re: 20' MA
 

I doubt it, too.
Not a new factory job. I guess its possible the factory took it in and did the work but I doubt that, too.

My Seafari has a plate where the transom was partially raised, but it's solid.

On the other hand, the Seavette I just bought has big old plates that the seller said they were configured by a naval engineer to better handle the stress of bouncing 800 lbs at 65mph. I said yeah, whatever, and told him that will still need a new transom. I'll try to post some pictures pointing out why it's really there.

Re: 20' MA
 

Thanks for the info. I figured he was full of it but maybe he bought that story along with the boat. Will probably go check it out this weekend.

Re: 20' MA
 

You are right!!! He's full of it or was BSed by the other owner. Bottom line.......a transom repair is around $3000+ done by a repair shop or $1250+ if you do it yourself. I would figure that in during negotiations.

Re: 20' MA
 

Around here a transom job is a lot less right now. Fiberglass guys are hurtin' for work, so prices are down. My next-door neighbor is getting the transom done on his 1976 25' Robalo here in Crystal River, including raising it from 25" to 30" for $1800, using marine plywood for coring. They're going from the outside in, having cut off the outer skin. He's re-powering with twin left-over '08 Yamaha 150 4 cyl. four-strokes and could only get 30" motors.

You might be able to make a deal on having it done. Negotiate.