TRANSOM TROUBLE?

[STRIPER2828]

MY 1975 20FT MA IS IN MY GARAGE ON BLOCKS STRIPPED AN BEING SANDED TO GET READY FOR PAINT. I REMOVED THE ALUMINUM CAP ON THE TRANSOM ,APPEARS THAT THE OUTSIDE SKIN HAS DELAMINATED AT THE CORNERS OF MOTOR WELL,THREE OF THE FOUR ENGINE BOLT HOLES APPEAR SOLID THE FOURTH HAS ALITTLE ROT IN THE BOTTON. I REMOVED BOTH MOTOR WELL DRAIN TUBES AND TUBE AT BOTTOM OF TRANSOM,WOOD IS SOLID BUT WET. USED BOAT ALL LAST SUMMER AND TRANSOM SEEMED FINE. I HAVE A NEW 175 OPTIMAX IN THE CRATE FOR THIS BOAT SITTING ON THE FLOOR,IT IS A 20IN SHAFT MOTOR. ONE SHOULD I REPLACE TRANSOM.TWO SHOULD I RAISE THE NEW TRANSOM TO 25INCHES AND EXTEND THE MOTOR SHAFT. THREE IS THIS SOMETHING I CAN DO MYSELF. FOUR IS THERE SOMEONE OUT THERE THAT CAN GUIDE THROUGH THIS---PICTURES,DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS,COMPOSITE OR WOOD ETC. DOES THE EXTRA FIVE INCHES IN HEIGHT REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE ANY INPUT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED

[ScottM]

Tough call on the transom replacement question. However, if you do replace it, definitely raise it another 5 inches. Those boats sit so low in the back that any more height you can add to the splash well is a good thing. Plus it will get the engine further away from the water. So many members have gone through this already that you'll find a wealth of information if you use the search function. And if you provide the beer, you may find some of them will even come help you. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[ocuyler]

Striper:

One: Yes, replace the transom now and do the re-power right.

Two: Yes, raise the transom to 25". Absolutely.

Three: Can you do it yourself? Maybe, but if you question your fiberglass repair skills AT ALL, have a pro do it for you and save yourself a lot of agrevation and too many beers.

My $0.02.