Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

[JerseyJim]

I am probably going to buy this boat, a 1972 aquasport 222 center console with a 200hp merc on it. The owner said the transom had been modified (how much I cant tell, as I dont have any original pictures to go by).<br /><br />The transom looks a little low for my tastes, but the cockpit is self bailing. <br /><br />Any suggestions on whether I should pass on this boat because of the transom (I live in new jersey, mainly fish Sandy Hook, barnegat bay, and maybe once a year take a ride out to the mudhole/ambose light, about 17 miles out). <br /><br />I'm concerned about the following: <br /><br />1) The transom being low and taking a wave into the cockpit in a following sea. Would there be a cost efficient way of keeping most of the water out of the cockpit?<br /><br />2) Someone losing footing, etc, and falling out the back. Any suggestions on providing a way to keep people from flying out of the boat? i was thinking a nice powdercoated/painted bar, similar to bars/guards the coast guard and sea tow uses.<br /><br />

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<br /><br />here is a link to the whole boat pics:<br />Aquasport222 <br /><br />I really dont want to pass on the boat, as the price is right and its in good shape.

 

[ajp]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

Looks great to me. I have seen some boats with clear plastic panels attached to the top of the transom on both sides of the engine to slow down any wave wash. Incorporate that with a 1" aluminum frame to keep everyone in.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

I wouldn't worry about it, it doesn't look that low to me. It looks about the same as most boats I have seen and worked on. The plastic pieces on the sides is a good idea though, I have them on my 1993 Hydra Sports and they work pretty good to keep out the following seas.

 

[DJ]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

I wouldn't worry about it either. As suggested, the plastic sheilds, used primarily for backtrolling, are a great idea.

 

[JerseyJim]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

where did you get those panels mmcpeck? or did you make them yourself out of lexan. <br /><br />got any pics?

 

[ajp]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

I think I have seen some in Cabelas catalog. I would probably go to a "Plastics Unlimited" store and get some made to fit. It looks like you could use the existing screws in the metal caps on your transom. Or cheaper yet, get a 2'x2'x1/4" odd ball sheet and cut it yourself. <br /><br />By the way, that looks like a great fishing boat.

 

[22WRF]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

Sorry folks I would worry about it.<br />It's been cut down to take a shorter shaft motor.<br />Wiht the motor that low good chance af a following sea drowning out the motor.<br /><br />Not bluewater boat now <br /><br />For those that say it looks OK.<br />Would you send your kids out in that boat

 

[sea wolf]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

i agree with lcm. too low for rough seas. ok for lakes, but for use in in open water? not me.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

Jim - I don't know if you are going to base your decision on the vots cast here but I cast my vote with LCM and sea wolf. I would be a bit less concerned if the boat had a motor well but it does not. Also I see the wiring bundle go through the deck near the transom. A following wave could dump a bunch of salt water on the deck and into the wiring - not good. If your motor quit you would have big problems.

 

[JerseyJim]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

im going to base my decision on how actually low it is...<br /><br />and it did seem to be cut to allow for a shorter shaft motor...<br /><br />and a lake boat is NOT what i need... I have a 13' whaler for the lakes and bays

 

[JerseyJim]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

would this transom even be salvagable??<br /><br />i mean, for like under $1000

 

[jomac]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

Build you a splash well keeps water out, place to hide all the wiring,tanks,batterys,etc underneath it and will keep you in! look around most newer offshore, big bay boats have them p.s. that transom looks like was designed to allow for a single or twins

 

[22WRF]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

Splash Well won't keep water out of engine.<br />Thats not exactly a SeaDrive I see on the back of it.

 

[22WRF]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

ops double post

 

[Newhook]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

Can't speak to the height of the transom, but you can go to a glass shop and get Lexan, about 1/4 inch thick and screw it on with stainless screws as your source for the plastic guards on the back of the transom.

 

[JerseyJim]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

yeah i know what a splashwell is =) ...<br /><br />my 40 year old whaler has one =)<br /><br />I was thinking I'm going to get some 1/4" thick lexan cut to fit. Either that or some 1/4 inch thick plastic/polyethelene (the stuff they make the white cutting boards out of - very heavy and sturdy) and through bolt it all using the existing transom holes.<br /><br />and i did notice it was built for a single or twins. If i get it i may smack some twin 4strokes on there,... mebbe about 100-115hp or so.<br /><br />i've always wanted twin outboards...

 

[evin300]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

Run away from this one.

 

[jrc27]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

don't know much about this type of boat but the name on the side sounds like it's all you need to see!!

 

[JerseyJim]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

i took a look at this boat, and the pictures are a little deceiving... there is quite a bit of transom here, and i dont even think it needs a shield. A transom well would be NICE, but not absolutely necessary.<br /><br />the floor is a tad soft between the stringers, but the engine purrs like a kitten, and until i get the feel of it, it wont really be a bluewater boat. in fact very rarely are any of my boats in blue water. Sandy Hook / New York Harbor and quincy bay can get nasty in their own rights, but we dont fish the nasty weather and rarely do we actually hit the blue waters.<br /><br />I dont have a lot invested in the boat - the price was quite low for the condition of the motor and the boat...

 

[coolblue1152]

Re: Suggestions on what to do with this transom?

I had a boat just like this. A 69 Aqua sport. Used it for years. I put up splash guards after one day I looked back after catching bait for a while and the transom was below water. I cranked it up and drove the water out. After the splash guards I didn't have any trouble. It takes a lot of water to kill an outboard. If you get that much water hitting it youre aready sunk. I had a C drive once. I think it stayed half in the water most of the time. It pulled air through the top of cover.