Notch my transom?

[CT_V-20]

Okay, this would be a significant modification and go against all of those looking to add a bracket to their V-20s, but here's my situation: 1) I am underpowered w/the 1.6L Sea Drive and this will be its 20th season (bless it's heart), 2) I would like to repower, 3) I have a slip that I don't want to lose and it's for an LOA up to 22', 4) a new bracket will put me too far over the 22' LOA to keep my slip, 5) I love my hull and I don't want a new one. So, I am seriously considering losing the Sea Drive, having a glass shop cut a notch in my transom and hanging a new 150 (just visited w/the local Yamaha dealer) back there. That way I can keep my boat, keep my slip and keep up with my buddies on the water. I'm looking for feedback on this project. Also, I'd be interested in hearing opinions on four-strokes vs. carbs. With the Yamaha F150, which weighs 466 pounds, my hull and motor would still weigh less than it does with the Sea Drive. 1920 + 466 = 2386# vs. 2546# with the Sea Drive. The carb 150 is 108# lighter than the four stroke. After tonight I'm not going to be able to check this thread until Friday A.M., but I'm interested in all of your opinions.

[Seakindly]

Hire CB to mount a carbed 150 to your sea-drive bracket. 8)

[macojoe]

I am not sold on the 4 strokes!! Give me a good old Carb and I am a happy guy!!

My 175hp 1989 Yamaha only ways 390# ?? They have added 76 pounds of what in the last 15 years??

Go no less then a 150!! You won't regret it!!
And I don't no about todays motors but the 175 is the same weight as the 150, something else to think about if the price is not that much different? You will like the extra power when you can use it.

Now I am sure you no the next thing I am going to say!!

I am totally against cutting the transom!!

I am not sure about what kind of fishing you do or the water you fish?
But here it is flat or 3 + footers!! I like to fish rips and things like that. There is nothing like a full transom in this kind of water!! I never never never get water over the back!

I am sure what you want to do can be done!! And its going to cost!! And you are going to lose space in the cockpit for the splash well that will need to be installed. It will need to be big anough so that you can tilt the motor all the way up.

If it was me I would look for a new slip and trailer in between or something?? But I would never cut the transom!!

Good luck!!

[cbe317]

your 1.6 mount might hold a 150 evinrude or johnson(OMC). not sure if the newer bombardier stuff will fit. find a competent mechanic and see if that option is feasible before you go cutting that beautiful hull.

please, dont cut into that boat.


C.

[chumbucket]

As cbe317 stated, I'm also not sure about the compatability of the newest generation of Johnson/Evinrude motors fitting your existing brackets since the demise of OMC. It's not something I'd recommend anyways to mount a brand new motor onto an obsolete tilt and trim mounting bracket after dropping that kind of cash. I would only go that route if a good used motor for the right price could be found.

As far as notching the transom of your boat to save on your slip fees; not if it were my boat. But it's not so you have to do what you think is right by you. Too many of us wish for a full transom V20 here so I don't think you'll get too many votes to take the chainsaw to that transom. It'd be a shame. I also think it'd be your more expensive repowering option.

Good luck with your decision. Sounds like you're going to have some sleepless nights trying to decide which way to go.

[chesapeake724]

Another vote not to notch it. The structural and glass work sounds complicated. Closing a transom is adding structure and strength. To cut away structure and then engineer it to restore strength is much more difficult.

You don't have to have a full 28" bracket. Just MacGuyvering off the top of my head, you can use a setback plate maybe 7" or 9", like one from Cook Mfg. (http://www.cook-mfg.com) Or a mini bracket from Stainless Marine (http://www.stainlessmarine.com/prices.html). It only needs to be long enough to provide clearing for the steering arms and rigging. Even if you have to drill a new hole for newly routed rigging, it'll be high up on the transom above the waterline and way easier to reinforce than a notch. The added length between a setback plate/mini bracket + conventional outboard, versus your current SeaDrive might be what, 4" tops? I can't believe anyone would notice, let alone boot you out your slip for it. Just my thoughts...

[reelapeelin]

...We all gotta do what makes us happy and what we can afford...that said, I would NOT cut that transom...I understand wanting to keep the slip, but it sounds like the tail is waggin' the dog on this one...the prior posts make excellent points about havin' a FULL transom...you'll miss it after it's gone :(...go bracket and 175hp (or better)...if they're available, hang a new E-Tech Evinrude on it and SMILE :)...Bombardier has really done their homework on these motors...I just put a new Honda 150 on my V20...it's a GREAT motor, but can't find the right prop...gotta put the revs to it to get it outta the hole...your boat will perform better w/2-stroke low-end torque and the extra hp a 175 will get you...

It sounds like your sea-drive is still runnin', so no need to get in a hurry... if you gotta wait till the 175 E-Tech comes out, then go braket, let that slip slide...you'll be a happy boater ;D...

[reelapeelin]

IF there is a way to hang a new motor on you existing sea-drive mount, that kills all the birds w/one stone ;)...look closely into that possibility first...

[Mac_Attack]

I have a 1990 with the out board transom. 95% of the time its fine but with trailing seas you will get wet. Don't cut it, get a new well. RP when you going to post some pictures of that new Honda. Bill Mc ;D

[CT_V-20]

Thanks for all the feedback, this is a great forum. This is a tough decision. I have to say, the marina where I priced the Yamahas carries Hydra-Sports and I really think the Hydra-Sport DC2020 looks sweet ($32k for a 2005 w/a Yamaha F150), but I know I won't like it as much as my V-20. Amazingly little cockpit space with the eurotransom and the head compartment is useless for a grown male. Repowering and glass work for my V-20 would easily run $15k, which I'd be lucky to get 1/2 back if I ever decided to sell. So here's what I'm going to do (for now).... nothing. I'm going to keep the SeaDrive for the upcoming season and catch more fish (CB - on Long Isand Sound, mostly casting w/light spinning tackle and occasional fly fishing when they're on the surface for Blues, sight casting to feeding stripers in shallow water, blind casting for stripers around structure and limited bottom fishing at anchor) on the V-20 as well as do more exploring with the kids and wife. Even the sales guy at the Yamaha dealer, which also sells Bombardier product, said the old OMCs are bullet proof. So we'll have more fun as is. Thanks again.

[reelapeelin]

CT...sounds like you've come up w/the perfect solution...and some good fishin' ahead :)...

Mac...I'm gonna get a gallery started soon...thanks for askin'...