increasing transom height

[fishndvm]

I bought a new J12 Carolina Skiff a couple of years ago, which comes standard with a transom designed for a twenty inch shaft. Because I had an engine with a 15 inch shaft that I had intended to use with this boat, I had the dealer cut the transom to fit the short shaft. It turns out that the engine just doesn't have enough hp to run the boat with a couple of people on it. I now have a golden opportunity to purchase a used engine with a long shaft. Can the transom height be increased to accommodate a long shaft motor? There's usually a gadget for anything these days. Thanks for any advise you may have.

 

[Solittle]

Re: increasing transom height

Increasing the transom height is frequently done. If your dealer cut a 5" notch in the transom for your short shaft motor simply make a pattern of the cut out and glass a plug in. Might want to mount a heavy duty alumnium backing plate in the inside and out for added support. Or you could leave it as is and buy a short shaft motor.

 

[fishndvm]

Re: increasing transom height

I just realized that there are some other folks out there with similar circumstances. Could a jack plate solve my problem?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: increasing transom height

A Jackplate could indeed solve your problem. You need to find one with a five inch lift and bolt it on. It will probably look better than a repair, and I bought one for $130 at Overtons. I think it has only a 4 inch lift however.