Splashwell purpose

[txbandit44]

Does the splash well on a 1973 Super Sport 16 just there to catch water or is it a means of support for the transom? I was thinking of reducing its foot print to gain some room in the back.

 

[boatnut74]

Re: Splashwell purpose

The splashwell does add some support to the gunwales. You can shorten the splashwell to gain some extra room without affecting anything. I believe jasoutside and michael p did this on theirs.

 

[classiccat]

Re: Splashwell purpose

removing the splashwell exposes you to swamping your stern (1 bad wave, backing off the throttle too quickly, etc.) and testing whether or not you have adequate floatation and a functioning bilge system.

EDIT! My apologies, you're reducing the footprint, not removing completely.

 

[ctswf]

Re: Splashwell purpose

Im going to shorten my splashwell this weekend, its 36" back to front on a starcraft 18' 1969 offshore v. I just cant have that much space lost!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Splashwell purpose

Does the splash well on a 1973 Super Sport 16 just there to catch water or is it a means of support for the transom? I was thinking of reducing its foot print to gain some room in the back.

Yes and yes. On the support side, if you look at some of the restos where the transom was shot and the boat was still used, very often the splashwell and knee braces are cracked. That tells me the transom, braces and splashwell work together. Shortening the S/W will still give all support needed. It's surprising how even six inches of extra cockpit room makes a difference. Go for it Tex.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Splashwell purpose

It's surprising how even six inches of extra cockpit room makes a difference.

Agreed ^^^

You can take a gander at how I pulled it off by clicking the JetStar thread in my signature.

Cheers:joyous: