Transom replacement question

[oceanpotion]

Im still debating on doing the I/O to OB conversion. Ive been reviewing this forum alot and making various phone calls. Im still on the fence. Im sort of just brainstorming here... but if I were to replace.. not rebuild, my transom could I completely remove what is there and replace it with something like this so that the I/O "hole" is patched:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/oceanpotion/transom.jpg

Of course I would take a proper template.. I just dont have good graphic skills

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/oceanpotion/IMG_3549.jpg

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Transom replacement question

most people that do this, are not happy with the end product. it throws the center of gravity off on the hull, and does not perform properly. most end up selling, and getting another boat. buy the time you replace/repair the transom add the engine mount section with enough power to push the boat properly, you have shifted the weight much farther astern, than you realize.

 

[oceanpotion]

Re: Transom replacement question

Well, what is the big difference in a I/O designed hull and a c/c designed hull that holds the conversion back?

I know one thing for sure.. my current I/O has a paper thin transom. I want to replace it with something at least 2" thick though.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Transom replacement question

Ayuh,....

like TD says,.... It just Doesn't Work.....

I've seen it done to a 1/2 dozen boats.... All were Junked by the end of the season,...
Well,... 1 was refitted with another I/O,+ still lives today....

 

[oceanpotion]

Re: Transom replacement question

I dont understand how these boats have 4 300HP OBs on the back but you cant swap out a I/O and put on an OB? Alot of other people on this forum have done it and say that it was a success. If it is simply a question of performance.. Im not really concerned about winning races or setting records, I just want to get from point A to point B. Maybe a set of trim tabs could help?

What would you say would be the biggest overall risk of doing this conversion?

 

[Fingernip]

Re: Transom replacement question

Im curious why this is done in the first place? To gain some interior space maybe? Just sounds extremely expensive unless you already have a nice working outboard handy. They also look like a pain in the neck to work on.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Transom replacement question

It can work, but the job needs to be done properly. Too many think that you simply fill the hole and make a cutout for the outboard. Best case, that will result in a transom failure.

Here is a great article that discusses the transom engineering for a boat. If you decide to do this job, you will need to create this kind of structure. The transom's strength is the result of its integration into the supporting structure. In the end, you want the transom, hull bottom, hull sides and motorwell structure to be one bonded structure.

http://bateau2.com/content/view/75/28/

 

[EricR]

Re: Transom replacement question

I see it done on older Grady Whites and Wellcrafts around the Savannah area a lot, but those are boats that were availible when new with either OB or IO power.