Transom

[KE7GCJ]

the information that I have received from the forum is great. However all answers and modifications have one common element, the transom.

For a 23 outboard what is the best transon design or modification.
What compromises are there to the handling of the boat with the modification, raising the height or fully closing off the transom with the outboard mounted on an external bracket?

Is the original design a must change?

Just wondering as I look at more Seacrafts.

KE7GCJ

[ScottM]

Disclaimer: I have never done a transom job, nor have I paid anyone to do it, these comments are merely my opinion based on what I know about boats in general, and SeaCrafts specifically.

Best design/modification - this is up for debate, but I'm sure most members will agree that enclosing a 23's transom and adding a floatation bracket is the way to go. I personally prefer the aesthetics of a notched transom, but it's hard to argue the benefits of enclosing/bracketing. Another modification would be running the scuppers out through the transome versus through the hull bottom.

Compromises - I don't know about SCs specifically, but I've been in other bracketed boats (single OB) that have a tough time in reverse. Control in tight spaces is an issue. With a notched transom, raising the height does not compromise any handling/performance characteristics provided the OB is mounted properly.

Original design a must change? - Besides the original scupper design, another of the 23's Achilles heels is the splashwell design. In a lot of instances, raw water can run into the bilge while backing down or taking a wave over the back. Do you NEED to change it? Not necessarily, but if you're redoing the transom, now is the time to make the necessary modifications to improve the design.

[strick]

I'd say that besides the scuppers the original design works great. Before redoing the transom and adding a bracket on my 23 I used the boat several times and it performed great. There are lots members on this board who keep ther boats original. I chose to add a bracket because I like brackets. This is my third boat with a bracket. I have no trouble backing up the boat. It gets up on plane very quick (Thanks Bigshrimpin for the new prop) and I dont have to worry about water coming over the back of the stern. I also have more room to move around in the back of the boat now that the splash well is gone. I also can get to the bilge better since I made better access. I also have a livewell that you dont have to break your ass to get to. I can go on but I think you get the point.






strick