Quote:
I gather you want to use existing 20" shaft engine on a 25" transom or bracket.
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I'm just trying to make a sound decision on if my transom needs to be replaced, to go back and close it in, and part of this is the feasibility and the economics of current power vs repower.
My questions:
1. If it is determined that my transom needs work, I would like to rebuild it and close it in. With a closed in transom, would I be able to use a hydraulic jack plate (porta bracket, bobs, CMC, etc) or bracket to mount my existing 20" engine to the transom?
2. If #1 is feasible, would the placement of this jack plate or bracket for a 20" motor limit me to a 20" repower in the future?
3. If #2 is yes, is this necessarily something to worry about? Would my engine be in jeopardy going about it this way? (The boat will be used for fishing in the chesapeake bay/inlets and limited short range offshore in good weather conditions.)
4. What would you guys do in this (my) situation, most likely bad 34 year old transom that needs to be replaced, older but decent condition 20" engine that will last me until I can save for a repower or at least until my friend repowers his boat, who has a newer (than my engine) 20" shaft engine that I could get for next to nothing once he repowers. Do I rebuild the transom back to 20" so I dont have to worry about the headache of a bracket/jack plate and just use 20" engines in the future? Do I close it in and try and do one of the scenarios above with the bracket/plate with my 20"? I mean is a 20" engine on a closed transom with a bracket or jack plate a bad idea?
Forgive me if I'm sounding redundant or short, I'm just trying to make sound decisions for my wallet and investment (my lovely seacraft) so therefore picking the brains of the masters. I really appreciate all the info you guys are providing.