Adding on to transom

[freddie1944]

Hi. I just bought a 1950z Aluma Craft 15 foot boat. I do not like the short transom. It is for short shaft motors. I would like to add on to the transom and get a long shaft motor. Is there a problem with doing that.? If not, what kind of wood should I use.? thank you for your help.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... A long shaft motor on a short shaft hull rarely works out ideally,....

For one thing, raisin' the center of gravity in tiny boats, makes 'em tippy,....

 

[gm280]

As Bondo stated, any time you raise things up in any boat, but especially a smaller one, changes the center of gravity and that is not a good thing. However, if you still want to go that path, don't do anything to the transom. Just install a jack plate and you can adjust it up and down as you wish. A much better idea and still allows the boat to stay factory and resell valve not effected as well...

 

[freddie1944]

Hi guys, thanks for the help. But, what the heck is a jack plate, and where do I find one. thanks again.

 

[gm280]

Hi guys, thanks for the help. But, what the heck is a jack plate, and where do I find one. thanks again.

A jack plate is usually an aluminum assembly that you can purchase and bolts in place of the engine on the transom. And then the engine bolts on the jack plate assembly. That allows you to adjust the engine height and test the performance of the boat until you like it.

They can be simple or hydraulic controlled.

This is what they usually look like... Hope that helps you a little... JMHO!

 

[freddie1944]

Oh dear, now I am concerned about tipping. I will tell you my story. I bought this 1950z open aluminum fishing boat. It has a 1959 35 horse tiller Evinrude Lark on it. I think that is WAY to much motor for that boat, maybe I am wrong I don't know. So I want to take off that big heavy 35 short shaft. And raise the transom five inches and put on a 15 horse long shaft. Wouldn't the much lighter and lower 15 horse make up for the five inch raise, as far as tippy goes.? thank you guys for the help. I really appreciate it.

 

[Woodonglass]

Yeah, If you use a Jack Plate and put the 15 hp on that 15ft tinner, you'll be just fine. Always make sure to have some weight in the front of the boat and she'll load out great. What's her maximum beam width?? This might be of interest...http://www.dillon-racing.com/jackplate/plans/jack-plate-page-01.htm

 

[freddie1944]

She is 64 inches wide. I don't understand, why I would be better off using a Jack Plate. Instead of putting a five inch higher transom.

 

[Woodonglass]

LikeGM280 said. It leaves the boat with it's original transom and it's soooo much easier. If and when you ever sell it, someone else may want to put a short shaft back on the boat.

 

[freddie1944]

OK, Now I have it. The web site with the pictures on how to build a Jack Plate is perfect. That is what I am going to do. Thank you every one who offered advice.