78 transom

[Rbauer]

I have just picked up my first seacraft . It is a 78 23 cc that was converted from a stern drive to a outboard application with an Armstrong bracket. Does anyone know if the stringer layout was different for inboards/ outboards of this specific year?

[FLexpat]

I'm pretty sure the stringer arrangement is the same - for the I/O they just glassed in motor beds made of 2x6's.

[Rbauer]

Thanks that helps a lot. I have been looking specifically for io restorations and now I can look at any 23 rebuilds of that time and be ok. I have a void where the engine was and they made a large hatch with starboard. I am trying to make a decision as weather to use it for a bit or put in a new deck and fuel tank/ tanks. Plus they did a sloppy Armstrong installation.

[Old'sCool]

Sloppy bracket installation warrants a do-over ��

[Rbauer]

It appears that they lag bolted the ends and even though they through bolted the middle there is a large seam of 5200 throughout. I am also not very happy with the cut out around the trim tabs. Wondering if I should try to clean up existing or get a whole new bracket- any suggestions?

[Rbauer]

Another pix showing cut out

[Rbauer]

I hope this picture comes out better

[Rbauer]

Top view of the bracket

[1bayouboy]

It seems the transom has a bit of a bow to it...how about a wider angle shot??

[Rufneck]

Has anybody found a trim tab that doesn't have such a long ram that requires cutting notches in the transom? I have a Sceptre with a bracket already installed and I'm really struggling to find a trim tab that is small enough to fit in the available space.