Beefed up Transom

[rookieboater59]

I am in the process now to go 4-stroke(yamaha-25hp) from a two-stroke(Evinrude 25hp) on my 14' fg Livingston skiff.
The newer yamaha is alot heavier(40-50lbs) than the evinrude so i want to beef-up my transom.
My idea is to install 1/2" ext. plywood on the inside of transom area and fiberglass.
My question is would this be a way to beef-up the transom? If anybody has other ways, by all means let me know.
Thanks for any replies

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Beefed up Transom

What's the thickness of the existing transom, and what is it made of?

Odds are pretty good it's solid enough for the motor.

Erik

 

[sschefer]

Re: Beefed up Transom

What's in there now? Odds are you don't need to do anything if the transom is in good shape. Knee bracing can be the best solution if you feel there's going to be a problem.

You'll see all sorts of fixes where guy's have bolted on pieces of steel plate, etc. None of that really does any good. In fact, everyone I ever took apart was actually causing more harm than good.

If you're really worried about it, evaluate the condition of your current transom and consider replacing it entirely with new, marine grade plywood. Your transom should be between 1" to 1 1/8" thick to support that weight. You can do that with two 1/2" pieces laminated together for 1" or two 1/2" and a piece of 1/8" luan mahogany door skin in between to get 1 1/8".
Use waterproof, resin, laminating glue and the final product will be extremely strong.

 

[rookieboater59]

Re: Beefed up Transom

Thank guys for the sound advice. My transom is about 1-1/8 or so and is in gd shape no signs of flexing or rot. I guess i freaked out a bit with the wt. of the 4-stroke compared to my old motor and was paraniod about the transom

 

[5150abf]

Re: Beefed up Transom

The hang weight of the motor isn't really that big of a deal, it is the torque it puts on the transom underway that causes the problem, so putting a 90 on a transom rated for 50 will do damage but adding 50lbs isn't a problem.

If you aren't using one maybe look into a transom saver if you transport the boat.

Good that you are thinking of things like this, alot of people don't and wonder later how their boat got jacked up but I think you are fine since you are staying with the original horse power.