Princecraft 16ft, 73" beam SHORT transom. Salt water use?

[Newhook]

I have bought a 16 foot Princecraft utility. It is 30" deep, 16 ft. long and 73" beam. Have it for lakes and would like to use it occasionally on a nice day on the bay but am looking really hard at that short transom (15"). Looks a little low in hindsight. Should I worry about water slopping over the back? It has a bailing well. <br /><br />I'll be using a 25 HP Merc 4-stroke big foot motor.<br /><br />Let me hear some yarns from those with a similar boat and their experience.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: Princecraft 16ft, 73" beam SHORT transom. Salt water use?

If I had a choice, I would go with the higher transom (20 inch). If you have to back up at any speed with the lower 15" transom, you will take on water into the catch tray. Saltwater waves and boat wakes will bite you too.<br /><br />The bigfoot is a heavier motor too, which will suqat the boat somewhat.<br /><br />Since you have the boat though, just be careful until you see what happens. If it does take on splash water, you can get a couple pieces of polycarbonate (or Lexan) plastic, and fasten it to the boat on each side of the motor. They do that a lot in Canada for backtrolling.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Princecraft 16ft, 73" beam SHORT transom. Salt water use?

I agree with SeaDawg, the motor is great for using as a kicker on a big boat, or as a main on a houseboat, but heavier and geared more than need be for your boat. Your question was about salt water, though...I know we're literally oceans apart, but aren't there some major waves in the North Atlantic? We see guys in boats that size in the Pacific and call them "goners." ;(

 

[Newhook]

Re: Princecraft 16ft, 73" beam SHORT transom. Salt water use?

Capt. Mike,<br /><br />I did'nt explain. I bought the motor new but it is a 1998. It is in the crate. It was seized in a bankrupsy and was sold at a super price. ($2600.00CAN - $1690.00 US) The dealer is offering the full warranty. The same motor sells here for $4000.00CAN - $2600.00US. I couldn't resist. It was 200.00 less than I could get a 2-stroke. A 4-stroke for less than 2-stroke both in a new motor is great for me. I'll put up with a little less in the way of performance to have the quiet fuel efficiency. It won't hurt the motor to push the small boat. <br /><br />The boat is going to be used on a lake mainly. A little fishing, towing the kids around etc. If I do use it on the bay it will only be on nice days hand-lining a cod or trolling for a sea-trout. It will be in Trinity Bay, Newfoundland which is very deep and sheltered. Not to say that weather does not occur, but I don't intend to be out in it. Also, the transom is cut to the 15 inch length by the manufacturer and the bailing well is level with it. I can build up the wall of the well to about 20 inches total easily and still use the tiller because it is so big.<br /><br />What do you think? The other option is to trade the motor for a long shaft 2-stroke, pay the extra $200.00 and swap the boat for a 20 inch.<br /><br />Let me know.

 

[Newhook]

Re: Princecraft 16ft, 73" beam SHORT transom. Salt water use?

Sea Dawg<br /><br />Great tip on the Lexan(sp) over the transom. Your reply came in while I was writing mine. How does the lexan attach? Please describe the way that it is done<br /><br />Newhook

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: Princecraft 16ft, 73" beam SHORT transom. Salt water use?

I've noticed it on Canadian small boats on the "Outdoor Life Network" channel on my cable TV at home. <br /><br />It looks like they use stainless sheet metal screws, and attach the Lexan pieces at the top edge of the transom.<br /><br />If I made up something for my boat, I would drill 1/4" holes about 6" apart, up about 1" from the bottom edge of a piece of 1/4" thick Lexan. I would round the corners and use about a 9" tall piece of it, and make it as wide as needed, to get close to the motor, but still allow it to turn properly.

 

[Newhook]

Re: Princecraft 16ft, 73" beam SHORT transom. Salt water use?

Seadawg,<br /><br />Would you screw it right on the back of the transom? <br /><br />Would you overlap where the transom is not cut and gain a little extra height even there?<br /><br />Newhook

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: Princecraft 16ft, 73" beam SHORT transom. Salt water use?

For my boat (Lowe 1760MT), I would do as you say - screw it into the top back edge area of the transom.<br /><br />But, you could do it either way. For you, I personally would do it the way that would make it the strongest on your boat. Just use a wider piece of Lexan if you want it taller, for either way of attaching it.<br /><br />I would imagine a large wave smacking it puts a lot of pressure on it. You don't want it to rip out the screws.

 

[Newhook]

Re: Princecraft 16ft, 73" beam SHORT transom. Salt water use?

SeaDawg and Cap't Mike,<br /><br />Thank-you for the tips. They solve my problem and give me a margin of safety that I would'nt otherwise have. <br /><br />Out of curiosity, how will that motor perform on my boat? <br /><br />Will it be that much slower? Does Mercury even offer a 4-stroke with a regular foot? I did'nt see one in the brochures. <br /><br />My thinking was that it may be a little better and powerful pulling a tube around with the lower gearing and bigger prop...one advantage at least. <br /><br />Would a prop with a more severe pitch give me the speed otherwise lacking? I have assumed that there is no danger of over-reving the motor given the gearing. Am I correct?<br /><br />Newhook