[macojoe]

Welcome the board!!

I don't think that the conversion has hurt the boat to much!! I think it makes a wider turn now, and it backs up fine as long as you don't have to turn it to hard.

Has for tthe weight in the back and sitting low in the water, The bracket has a float chamber and I belive it doesn't sit any lower naw then it ever has.

As for a 3 foot chop and the rest, you trim the motor right and it is a champ!! But that said if this is the norm for you (chop) trim tabs will be a great help also.

As for getting a 80's with a good?bad transom, your right 50%
Just make sure you ck it out good!! first. Mine is a 1975 ant the transom is still good so far!! But there was some rot right around the hole were the outdrive went thur. But you have to cut some away any how to make the patch.
Being that mine had some rot at the hole I am sure there was moist wood else were but it was still coming out like prety clean wood when I was drilling the holes to mount the bracket.
Also I am not sure about newer stuff but the glass on the out side skin is 1/2 inch thick!! The inside is 1/4 so there is alot of glass there!

Any way it old a bit beat up but its payed for and takes the water pretty good! And that makes me happy!!