To Raise or Not to Raise my Transom, that is my question.
 

I have a 1972 20' CC. I've posted this question before about raising the transom. I get mixed answers. The time has come and I need to make a decision. I see the pro's and con's both ways..

PROS:
- Better motor options
- Reduces fear of sinking
- Brings transom to a current "standard"
- Reduces fear of sinking

CONS:
- Takes away from the originality (does it?)
- Added cost as current transom is SOLID

I'm doing one last round of gathering info before making the decision. Your help is GREATLY appreciated!!

If your 42 year old transom is solid, then you are extremely lucky or the boat sat in a garage for 20 years. This is a no brainier, but don't feel bad I asked the same question last year for the same year and boat you have. I raised to 25 and would have hated some days out there in a 20 inch transom. It's not a huge cost, more time than money really. Unless you only fish back rivers or ponds you'll want 25". Do it!

If your re-powering, I'd say take the extra step and raise it. Only 2 current 25" motors within 50 pounds of the original designs target weight of around 300 lbs. Those are the Zuke 90 at about 345 lbs and the Etec 90 at around 330. Anything bigger is at least 50 lbs more

One view of Mitchmans 20 sinking off Marthas Vineyard is enough for me. Not sure if his buddy's viddy is still on YouTube but 5 inches may have made a difference, i don't know.

Originality is a moot point as there are plenty of these around and safety and resale is better with a properly raised transom. If you choose to keep it at 20" it might be worth looking into the transom well walls that Hermco recently made off of the originals. I think they sold for about 400 clams, but don't quote me on that. They are very nice and very functional. I'm not sure if he has any left or will make more but its worth a look. Someone else recently posted a product from whitecap marine I think, but not the quite the caliber of Hermco's product.

Hermco's contact info can be found at www.hermco.com
Good luck whichever way you go:cool:

Raise the transom please.

X4. Do it

This is a Seacraft...Not a "Woodie" Chris Craft. Who really cares :D

I doubt that anyone would say OH.....OH....not original...haha

Your new Delta Cow nickname is Woody. Got any pics from the woodie show?

FWIW.......my first boat was a "Cruise Boat", a deep-v with a 20" transom. Looked like the engine was in the water to the cowling. When I would take it off plane real quick the water would rush into the splash well, major PIA. Raised the transom to 25" before I re-powered with a 175hp and it was the best move I ever made on that boat.....next to trading it on a new boat. It will be the same positive results with the 20" SeaCraft. Do it.

Can't go wrong. Especially if you're keeping it.