Not Enough Transom Tuck (6 instead of 12 deg)

[realboats]

Hi. I'm working on this boat I bought last fall. It was a stern drive to I/O conversion, but the guy sold it before he finished the job. So it's a project boat you could say.<br /><br />I just checked the angle of the transom and it's only 6 degrees from verticle. The recommended angle is 12 plus or minus 2 degrees. Will installing a transom wedge fix this problem? I would think even with a transom wedge, forward movement of the prop during trim will still be limited, since the space between the bottom of the transom and the lower unit will stay the same no matter how I angle the motor bracket. Won't that restrict forward trim even with a wedge?<br /><br />Does this make sense? <br /><br />Maybe I should just leave it the way it is and go with a separate trim system? <br /><br />Any ideas?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Dennis

 

[richg99]

Re: Not Enough Transom Tuck (6 instead of 12 deg)

Hmmm. I may not truly understand all aspects of your question. I could see adding wedges and also adding shims between the transom and the wedges to give the necessary clearance. Why wouldn't that work?? RichG TX

 

[realboats]

Re: Not Enough Transom Tuck (6 instead of 12 deg)

Hi Rich. After reading your response, it finally dawned on me that an adjustable-wedge jack plate will take care of these issues. I just ordered a 4" jack plate with adjustable offset and wedge.<br /><br />Thanks for the suggestions. They really helped to clear things up. <br /><br />By the way, the link you have to the Carolina Skiff owner's group is quite a coincidence! When I was kayaking yesterday, I saw a whole fleet of them moored on this river I was exploring. I was so impressed with them, that I actually called the CS dealer to ask some questions about the DLX 24. I'm going to get one of those someday!<br /><br />Regards,<br />Dennis

 

[richg99]

Re: Not Enough Transom Tuck (6 instead of 12 deg)

Glad you found the adjustable jackplate/wedge solution. Sounds good to me. <br /><br />re the Carolina Skiff group. Feel free to drop in and ask some questions about the 24 DLX; motor size, weight, etc. etc. etc. I only own a little 16 STD, but it is good for my needs. Some of the guys have the bigger boats and have learned a lot by sharing ideas or questions. <br /><br />I just started the group in Dec 2004 and we already have 82 members. Could always use more. Drop by and say hi! RichG

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Not Enough Transom Tuck (6 instead of 12 deg)

The reason for the negative angle on transoms is (as you know) to assist the boat to plane. This use of the prop to lift the transom is used on small boats because they are usualy not fitted with trim tabs as larger boats are. The use of manually controlled trim tabs on smaller faster lighter boats is also a potential hazard if they are misused. For example, if one tabs were accidentaly deployed at 30 MPH while the other tabs was left up, it is likely that the boat would through people into the water. So besides cost vs. boat value there is a safety concern.<br /><br />None the less trim tabs are a far more effective way to bring a boat to plane and to control the running attitude than the use of a prop. Do a search on Smart Tabs which are desinged for smaller boats and totaly automatic.