Pre-drilled transom on aluminum boat?

[canuckjgc]

I'm looking at a "new" heavy guage aluminum boat that has been sitting at a dealer for 3 years (!) without a motor. Dealer will replace sun-faded components but that tells me it has been sitting outside a lot (does not have any wood, composite floors etc). Anyway the transom already has holes for the motor (remember, this boat has not been used). Do any manufacturers pre-drill transoms? Seems crazy because if my motor does not line-up with the holes, what do I do? Thoughts here? I'll see if I can post a pic.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Pre-drilled transom on aluminum boat?

That transom has been drilled for a motor that was never mounted or was removed. Odds are pretty good that the holes will line up for another motor, but if they don't you can always fill them with a stainless steel bolt, nut and fender washers...no big deal, especially on an all-aluminum transom.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Pre-drilled transom on aluminum boat?

Ya you can just fill the holes with 5200 and you are fine but unless you use a really old engine they should line up, I believe that pattern is pretty standard.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Pre-drilled transom on aluminum boat?

There are "standard" mounting holes seen here. http://www.whalercentral.com/images/Mounting_Bolt_Pattern.jpg

If the top holes do not line up then an older pattern was used.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Pre-drilled transom on aluminum boat?

IMHO, If I were buying a 3 year old "new" boat with holes drilled in the transom, I'd buy it just as it was without the dealer replacing anything..... I would buy it for noticeably LESS than the dealer's original cost and I'd still expect full warranty from the day I purchased it

It needs to REALLY cheap because it will depreciate 3 years (maybe 50%) in the second that you sign your name.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Pre-drilled transom on aluminum boat?

I'm looking at a "new" heavy guage aluminum boat that has been sitting at a dealer for 3 years (!) without a motor. Dealer will replace sun-faded components but that tells me it has been sitting outside a lot (does not have any wood, composite floors etc). Anyway the transom already has holes for the motor (remember, this boat has not been used). Do any manufacturers pre-drill transoms? Seems crazy because if my motor does not line-up with the holes, what do I do? Thoughts here? I'll see if I can post a pic.

I'm just curious about the name/brand, size and price of this boat?...any info?...thanks

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Pre-drilled transom on aluminum boat?

poke something into the holes to verify no wood. That's three years of rain water dripping into those unsealed holes