Structural question

[MinUph]

I have had this issue all along on my pontoon. I'd like to correct it and have an idea I want to throw out there. In picture one I have drawn a circle where I'm think of cutting. Do any of you think it will weaken the structure?

It is hard to tell in image 1 the size of the hole but in image 2 I think it shows better. The frame member is 3" in height and I would leave 1 1/2" on the lower section of it. Also leaving the L at the bottom. The floor and trim would be cut but in my mind the structure is in the frame. So what do you think?
Pay no attention to the thumbnail below I cant delete it.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Structural question

Should not be a problem. If you're concerned, you could put a piece of 1/4" aluminum flat bar across the remaining bottom portion to add some strength. What is above that area you're going to cut out?

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Structural question

If it was me I'd do it but then I would add some aluminum across the bottom as already suggested and,,,,,,, Being anal I'd add one on the top too.

 

[gm280]

Re: Structural question

Have you thought about cutting the rods back some? Not sure how your steering is setup, but if you could possibly cut the connecting rods a little, that could work too... Just an idea before cutting the hull...

 

[crb478]

Re: Structural question

I would add a 3x4ish piece of 1/4 inch aluminum angle to the outside of the frame and then drill a hole through both pieces. That should give you plenty of extra strength to the effected area.

 

[MinUph]

Re: Structural question

There is nothing directly above the area to be cut. The fence will be close to the cutout but I wouldnt cut the fence or base of the fence.
I like the idea of adding the extra aluminum as a brace under the cut. Can't hurt.

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: Structural question

I think you should look into raising the engine on the transom a few inches instead. I don't think that would cause much difference in prop performance. If it did, it would be simple to lower back again and consider the options above. Better resale value as well. A photo of the entire rear would better help to diagnose.....

 

[MinUph]

Re: Structural question

I played around with the height of the motor before for other reasons. I lowered it to as per instruction from my prop guy. Made that worse. So I raised it back. The prop cavitates around corners sometimes so raising it would worsen that. I can make the cutout look good for resale. Not really concerned about that. I will take a picture of the whole *** end to see if it helps.
Thanks

 

[MinUph]

Re: Structural question

Here are some larger pics of the rear.

 

[BrianMc]

Re: Structural question

You definitely don't want to cut the top flange of the channel. In order for that section to go down it'll have to tear the top flange or compress the bottom. If the hole would be in the center no problem,but it would be close to the top. That would really weaken the top flange. Looks like you'd have the room to lay a 1' long 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" angle flat on top of the trim,with the other leg pointing up. Run two bolts through the trim and frame on both sides of your hole. You could trim the corners off the top leg to spruce it up a lil.

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: Structural question

Too bad about the transom height. I have one more suggestion......how about moving the transom pod backwards about 8 inches or so.....? It looks like it widens out the further back you go. Of course, your steering cable would need to accommodate the move, as far as length and how far towards the back it comes out of the side. It's hard to tell in the larger photos as the pixels look stretched a bit.

 

[MinUph]

Re: Structural question

I'll look into moving the pod tomorrow. Had not thought of that. I wish I knew just how far the steering rod has to go to be fully extended.

 

[MaPaHa]

Re: Structural question

I wouldn't cut it. That looks like a major part of the support for the transom unless I'm missing something. If the transom is supported by several crossmembers then it might not be so bad but I can't see that from the pics. My pontoon once had the transom supported mainly from the floor structure and not the crossmembers and it looks like to me the floor is a major part of your support. If so, that side member is important.

Tilt the motor up and bounce it around and determine what's supporting the transom. If that side piece you are thinking of cutting bounces with the motor then I wouldn't cut it without replacing it with another system that's stronger than the factory setup.

On a old pontoon I used to have I had a transom built that span into three cross joist. If you moved it back and ran a cross brace across the back of the boat that might be a solution. In any case you want the last cross joist to be strong and if you can pick up any support from the floor system that's added support.

 

[Capt Sully]

Re: Structural question

cutting the steering rods about 1/2 inch should do it. go to a welding shop and have them do it. I wouldn't cut a structure support. (my 2 cents)

 

[MinUph]

Re: Structural question

Well more and more this doesn't sound like a good idea after all. I'm glad I asked. Many good points and suggestions. Thanks guys. I see 4 options.
1. strengthen the framing support, or 2. move the pod, 3. cut the steering rods or 4. do nothing.

Right now I leaning towards 4 I've lived with this for 3 yrs now.

I really appreciate all the advice. Thank you.

 

[HarborRat]

Re: Structural question

While replacing my rusty steering bracket on my Merc 50 today I noticed It has a couple extra holes that the steering rod would bolt right up to. Moving the rod to a hole closer to the motor would quicken your steering and increase travel, at the expense of turning ease of the steering wheel. Not sure if your Honda has something similar....

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Structural question

I would shorten the arm, it is a cheep fix at any welding shop.

 

[HarborRat]

Re: Structural question

I would shorten the arm, it is a cheep fix at any welding shop.

The problem is, if you shorten the arm you may not get full steering in the opposite direction. You'd have to see how much steering cable rod is sticking out of it's housing when the motor is turned full-lock that way. If a lot is sticking out (doubtful) you can safely shorten the arm by about the same amount. If nothing is sticking out you will lose travel in the opposite direction by how much the arm is cut. Notice the mark on my steering cable rod...it goes almost all the way into the tube.

Hard to explain....

 

[MinUph]

Re: Structural question

Understood Bout the arm. I will look at it Saturday. Also will checkout the possibility of other holes.

 

[HarborRat]

Re: Structural question

Understood Bout the arm. I will look at it Saturday. Also will checkout the possibility of other holes.

Looking at this parts diagram for a Honda 40, there are three holes. Hopefully it is in the outer hole now and you can move it to the center hole. Dealers sometimes slap the motor on and never fine tune it to the boat. Look at part # 1....