After Market Outboard Brackets

[krosemond]

I am considering (this coming winter) glassing in the transom of my Robalo 20' skiff and using a bracket with a swim platform to mount the Outboard. I just feel like it would be safer and quieter, as well as give me some more fishing space in the co*kpit. Any opinions on the feasibility of that kind of project?

 

[evin300]

Re: After Market Outboard Brackets

Quite feasible, but use knee-braces, or L-brackets made of 1/2 aluminum or 1/4 steel, through-bolted to floor stringers. Hope you have a good sense of stuctural loads, if not, consult with a expert. Good Luck

 

[evin300]

Re: After Market Outboard Brackets

Another idea is to find the outboard version of your boat for reference, The description above is how many manufacters do it.

 

[krosemond]

Re: After Market Outboard Brackets

evin300,<br />It is an outboard boat now, but has a cutout transom. So I assume that the bracket would mount to the transom at the same place, and the glassing in of the transom cutout would not effect the boat in any was structurally.<br />Am I correct? I just don't like the following sea so close to the deck, and I would feel safer fighting fish will a full transom.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[evin300]

Re: After Market Outboard Brackets

Probably pretty tricky to make a good patch as the transom will flex and will tend to crack the patch unless it is just as stong as the transom.<br /><br />By using a bracket you are adding a lot of leverage stress to the transom, and may still have to re-inforce it anyway.<br /><br />Lastly, one advantage of the transom cut-out is it will let the water ESCAPE, whereas with a full transom, if you do get a big enough wave, you will be carrying it around for awhile! Also it is going to be a lot of work, and may include new steering cable, control cables, etc. since your motor will probably be 20" further away. And if not done in a professional manner, will De-value the the whole rig.<br /><br />I am not familiar with this particular boat, are you saying that the deck is even with the bottom of the cut-out? Or is their a fiberglass well surrounding the cut-out area?<br /><br />Good Luck, Mike