Cutting the Transom

[ineed2fish]

I have a 1963 starcraft closed bow flat bottom boat I got practically free. My problem is my 1976 35hp evinrude is to short. Yes, I was told to add an extension kit but 1. I can't find one and 2. I am not an outboard expert. I have only been working with boats in the last 2 months. Can I cut down the transom to lower the motor about a foot?? How much work is involved with doing this.Can someone give me some thoughts...thanks

 

[JB]

Re: Cutting the Transom

Hi, IN2F.<br /><br />I wouldn't cut the transom, though some folks do. I would use a jackplate/bracket to mount the engine. Transom height affects the HP rating of a boat, and it's ability to handle engine power.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[ineed2fish]

Re: Cutting the Transom

Hello JB,<br />What is a jack plate? I have been surfing endlessly for answers and I am getting really tired of fishing from shore.(LOL) My anti-caviation plate is about 4" above the bottom of the boat I get nice pick-up but when I start to plane the motor is barely in the water so I start to rev extremely high without going fast at all..From what I've read I think dropping the motor would help..yes no maybe..thanks

 

[ineed2fish]

Re: Cutting the Transom

Scratch the last question about the jack plate I just found out what it is and how much they cost...That is not an option for me considering that would be the most expensive thing on the boat. I have spent time learning how to work on outboards in order to keep the cost down. I'm on the east cost boston area and we only have a few months of boating and I don't want to go broke for a few months of boating.. So all that said I still need some advise on cutting the transom..thanks

 

[DJ]

Re: Cutting the Transom

ineed2fish,<br /><br />You can do it, but:<br /><br />1. If you cut it down, the boats value drops to nearly nothing.<br /><br />2. Once you do get into cutting it down, you'll find the wood is rotten.<br /><br />3. The replacement of the wood is not expensive, but time consuming, what's that worth?<br /><br />If you really want to cut it down, do this:<br /><br />1. You'll be cutting about 5" out. I would keep the width (side to side) of the cut to a minimum.<br /><br />2. The aluminum and wood should be easily cut with a jig saw with an aluminum hack saw blade.<br /><br />3. The transom cap will not fit the cut out. You can probably find a U shaped piece of metal at a harware sore that will cover it.<br /><br />Expect to go deeper than you thought. If the wood is rotten, it's not tough to replace, just tedious.<br /><br />Keep us posted.

 

[ineed2fish]

Re: Cutting the Transom

Thanks for that how to cut. I am concerned about the rot (if there is any) but my options are limited. The value of the boat is really no biggy, I got the boat for $100.00. I hope to learn on this boat and maybe get a real one next season. Are there any links on how to make a jack plate? All it seems to be is a motor bracket that could possibly be put together with some metal,bolts and welding. I could probably draw up one made out of angle iron but I think that would be to heavy..thanks

 

[frankdel]

Re: Cutting the Transom

Do you have a splash well, if so what is the distance from it to the top of your transom. If you cut out 5" you'll still need 3" to clamp the motor. If you dont have a well then your going to wish you did if you cut the transom down. Next you'll have to drop your steering cables.<br /> The correct thing to do is sell the short shaft and buy a long shaft.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Cutting the Transom

I highly recommend you replace the motor. You could put a For Trade ad in the paper, there may be a guy out there who really needs a shortshaft motor. You can also search for anyone who has a longshaft motor like yours that is shot, and get it off of him. It is very easy to convert to longshaft, you are only replacing the middle part of the leg, the driveshaft, water tube, and shift linkage. It is more straight forward than you think it is. Finally, you can just put it up for sale, and get a longshaft motor, maybe even with a bit more power.<br /><br />Cutting the transom is such a bad idea that I don't even like to think about it. As has already been said, you may have splashwell issues, you may end up with strength issues. Replacing the motor is your best bet. Taking shortcuts with a boat is a sure way to cost yourself more money down the road, or even your life.

 

[ineed2fish]

Re: Cutting the Transom

Well against better judgement and stern advise from the board I did cut the transom. I took out the ole Dewalt and a cutting i would go. The wood inside was nice (1963) go figure! Probably not anymore since I made the cut, but needless to say It worked out well. It was still high enough to prevent splash back and I pulled the plug after flying around the pond No water...My buddies boat which is a 1989 or so lets loose about a gallon every 2 or so hours. Either I got lucky or they don't build things like they use too! <br /><br />Thanks everybody.

 

[frankdel]

Re: Cutting the Transom

Sometimes when a guys got his mind set to do something nothins gonna stop um. <br /> Im glad it worked out for ya.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Cutting the Transom

Just make sure your cut is sealed really well, don't want that transom getting wet.

 

[bhalsdorf]

Re: Cutting the Transom

Ineed,<br />Try this guy: benren@mhcable.com<br />His name is Chris and he has alot of the spacers and parts. I got a complete riser kit for my 58 Johnson 35 for only $75 from him. If he has all the parts he will make a complete kit for you. I did already have the seal kit so it may cost you a few bucks more.