First of all, I never said it was definitely "Factory".......if you look I said it could have been "necessary for the original power" (i.e. done at original power install).

If you look at "Davedowneast"'s post, his boat has the same exact notch and it is a '78.

I don't think someone "got too happy with a sawzall". *It was cut for a reason. *What that reason is, who knows.....who cares? * ???

It's a moot point anyway! *I never saw so much fuss about a "notch" in a transom of an almost 30 year old boat that needs a new transom anyway..... ::)

Blue Runner, you probably are right, and I already thought this. *However, on the current motor it is not necessary. *Probably was for the steering on the '77 200 that was on it originally. * ;)

The large "drop" IS factory most definitely! *Was setup for a short shaft from the factory, just as the brochure shows.