Short to Long conversion or transom cut...

[McBarry]

Hi,<br />I have a 4m fibreglass runabout (Pongrass for those in Oz..).<br /><br />Picked up a TURBO cheap 1977 35hpJohnson but it's a short motor. (cav plate is approx 2" above base of the hull)<br /><br />Dilemma : spend quite a bit of time and running around Sydney chasing parts to convert to long motor (must admit I enjoy getting dirty with the spanners..)<br /><br />OR, and here's where I show my lack of boating physics/knowledge, how low could I cut the transom down before "problems" arose and what "problems" would those be (besides the obvious of mega low means water ingress and we all sink kinda low...)<br /><br />From reading these forums for a few weeks now I figure all corners of the globe will cover most pro's and con's of which way to move.<br /><br />FWIW, my instinct and wallet are saying cut the transom..<br /><br />Thanks for collective thoughts,<br />Regards,<br />Dave

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Short to Long conversion or transom cut...

You may want to consider one of these to lower the motor a couple of inches before you start cutting. There are alot of guys on here you know about cutting the transom, but I'm not one of them:<br /><br /> web page

 

[McBarry]

Re: Short to Long conversion or transom cut...

Thanks Rick,<br />bit hard to see completely what happens on their web site but I get the theory of it.<br /><br />Has got me thinking in a completely new direction now about fashioning up a "step-down" attachment which I assume this is also.<br /><br />Just have to mess a little with the steering & gear cable - minor stuff really.<br />Ta, Dave

 

[Hooty]

Re: Short to Long conversion or transom cut...

Don't cut the transom! <br />I'm not familiar with your boat so I've gotta ask, how does it (the boat) work with the cav plate 2" above the bottom? If it's necessary to lower the engine, the jack plate is one possibility, there are also spacers that can be used to move the engine aft a few inches. As a rule of thumb, the engine can be raised 1/2" for every inch it's set back (moved aft). Reproping is another possibility.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty