Chains connected to inside transome. Anyone seen this?

Ziggy4

Seaman
Joined
Sep 19, 2009
Messages
60
Im interested in a boat that was advertised to have a reinfoced transome and floor. The boat used a 115hp and the "reinfocements" were done for a 200hp engine. I checked it out and it looked pretty solid. The chains I saw are going from the inside transom where the motor mounts to the center of the boat. They are very solid and everything looked ok. Anyone ever seen this chain idea?
 

Utahboatnut

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 15, 2009
Messages
785
Re: Chains connected to inside transome. Anyone seen this?

Never seen chains used, the forces are pushing the transom toward the bow not pulling it away. Maybe a safety chain if the transom rips off the outboard won't hit the bottom or jump up to the driver but. I have seen and installed knee braces but never chains not quite sure what they would do...
 

TojosMojo

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 13, 2009
Messages
128
Re: Chains connected to inside transome. Anyone seen this?

Only thing I can think of is they where trying to take some of the excess "hanging weight" of a 200hp outboard off of the transom. I am answering this question assuming the owner at one time had the 200hp on the boat and that the boat is really rated for only 115hp...

Even with reinforcement of the structure on that boat (need to see pics or know more about the make/model to know for sure what you are dealing with) I do not see how it could have taken the stress of having 42.5% more horsepower then it was originally rated for, not to mention the added weight and torque mounted on a transom designed for a 115... I would look that boat over well for stress cracks you may have overlooked.
 

NetMatrix

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 2, 2009
Messages
247
Re: Chains connected to inside transome. Anyone seen this?

Do you have a picture of this or can get a picture? I'm interested in seeing what it looks like.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,082
Re: Chains connected to inside transome. Anyone seen this?

I'm interested in seeing what it looks like.
Ayuh,... Sounds like a Real Redneck transom knee....
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
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May 19, 2001
Messages
26,065
Re: Chains connected to inside transome. Anyone seen this?

You realize that if you buy that overpowered beast that you will be liable and unable to get insurance......
 

Ziggy4

Seaman
Joined
Sep 19, 2009
Messages
60
Re: Chains connected to inside transome. Anyone seen this?

I dont have any pics, but if I decide to check it out again Ill take some. Im interested only because of the price. $1200 with a 2003 trailer in great shape. I just didnt understand the chain idea when I saw it, but everything looked very solid.

Do I have to get insurance on the boat? I live in Florida. I wasnt planing on getting insurance.
 

tallcanadian

Captain
Joined
Sep 7, 2006
Messages
3,250
Re: Chains connected to inside transome. Anyone seen this?

Sometimes overpowering becomes a safety issue. I would really look this boat over closely. Something sounds fishy.
 

Willyclay

Captain
Joined
Sep 8, 2006
Messages
3,264
Re: Chains connected to inside transome. Anyone seen this?

While I've never seen chains used for this application, it strikes me as being fairly sound. I think the forces acting on the transom of an outboard-powered boat are like a lever. The prop is trying to push the boat forward but the motor attachment point on the transom is trying to pivot aft. You can check the soundness of the transom in question by standing on the anti-ventilation plate and look for any movement in the transom. Good luck!
 
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