transom extension?

[jtrom]

Looking at a 15 ft fiberglass runabout for my 50hp longshaft, but it looks like this boat might take a short shaft. how hard is it to extend the transom up to accomodate a longshaft?

 

[emoney]

Re: transom extension?

It's been done but a lot depends on your transom and engine. It's probably best to post pics of both and you'll get some real advice. If you can't take pics of the boat, at least measure the transom so you know how much leeway you need.

 

[jtrom]

Re: transom extension?

sale-ftakx-2430169796@craigslist.org Here is the craigslist address with a good pick of the back.....don't know how to make it a ling :facepalm:

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: transom extension?

Or you could install a Jack Plate on it.

 

[Robert D]

Re: transom extension?

Actually, it's probably a good idea. (Done right, that is.) It's the perfect excuse to rebuild the transom. I raised the transom on my 18' Reinell during the rebuild of the whole boat. Basically:

1. Leave the outer skin, gut the transom interior and the interior fiberglass skin.
2. Get your wood ready, i.e.: epoxied together and cut to fit....sealed with epoxy.
3. Install wood to inside of outer skin with clamps. Wood will be sticking up about to the height you want.
4. If you wish, install a couple kneee braces with 2 layers of 3/4" plywood bonded together with the epoxy and sealed.
5. Now glass everything in. On the outside of your transom where the new wood shows the correct height, grind a taper into the old skin about 4 to 6 inches down. Start laying fiberglass to even it out. Once you get it smooth and level, ....this took the most time foir me......I then laid 2 layers of fiberglass completely across the transom and about 8 inches up the sides of the hull and down below. (You'll grind some of the old stuff there as well, to make room for the new stuff.) It came out perfect. I used to get water from wakes occasionally splashing in the splashwell...that doesn't happen anymore.

Be forewarned.....thgis is a lot like fixing that small area of the bathroom floor that has some rot.....and you end up having to gut the whole bathroom once you find there is a lot of rot. When you get to the stringers, you may find they are far gone.....and the project gets bigger. Much bigger.

 

[Robert D]

Re: transom extension?

To give you an idea what you may be in for once you tear things apart....here's the project I started with:

That's a 20" transom on a 1972 Reinell. Didn't look that bad on the outside. Built it up to a 25" for a cheap 150HP motor I came across...with less than 60 hours on it. Ended up doing a total restoration, 3 inch thick transom, knew braces, etc. Here's a few pics of the back as I was close to completion:

Then the hull got a work over as well, stringers and all:

And a pic of the first engine test....you'll note I used bedliner inside the splashwell area. It's held up well a year and a half so far. I like to toss tools, fish nets, bait, whatever back there....and not worry about scratching the paint! Engine still dusty from the shop. The boat screams about 60 mph now......but I only use about 40 mph to get to the good fishing spots!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: transom extension?

Homemade jack plate idea http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=321432

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: transom extension?

As already stated a jack plate is the best way to go....or keep the outboard you have and find a short shaft.