Transom Cracks

EVERGREEN · #1 07-07-2005, 02:47 PM

I have a 1972 Potter built SF20 with a 1989 Yamaha ProV –150. I have owned the boat for several years and done most of the typical Seacraft repairs: new floors, new fuel system, electronics, etc.

When I purchased the boat it had a wet transom, this was a concern but the boat had no signs of structural fatigue.

This season I noticed cracks in the corners of the transom well, and if you if you push down on the engine when it is tilted up, you can flex the transom +/_ a half of an inch.

Question:

1. How big a deal is this, catastrophic/ concerning/ NBD?

2. Should I fix now keep my 20” transom or wait till the motor goes and raise it to 25”?

3. I have read a lot of replies about closing transoms on 23’s is this a good idea on a 20?

4. The boat floats on original water line, floors are dry, if I add a bracket and push the motor back will the extra weight change the waterline. Or is their enough flotation built into the brackets?

5.From your experience, what is the best bracket for a 20?

6.If I invest in a new 2-stroke Yamaha and a bracket, what is a 72-SF 20 worth in good condition?

Any feedback would be appreciated!

FELLOW-SHIP · #2 07-07-2005, 04:47 PM

Ha Guy

Welcome to the board. You asked a bunch of questions and I got some time so I will give ya my opinion.
Question
1. I personally would not trust any 33 year old wooden transom any longer. If you are planning on doing some major work on the boat I would put this top on the list. On my boat which is a 76 hull the transom looked more like black mush than a wooden transom. How long do you got before it falls apart? Only the man up stars knows.
2. Raise the transom to 25” for sure you could replace the lower unit and keep the motor you got. Or replace it now.
3-5 I would keep the notched transom on the 20’ SeaCraft I think you could have a balance problem with a flotation bracket on the back of a 20 & you could get wet feet on the 20’
6. How much $$$ ??????? the question is how bad does the other guy want your boat.
FellowShip [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]