Uh..... does this look right? First time in the water, finally!!!

[Destroyer]

You sound like you're pretty handy with tools. You have a 25" engine and a 20" transom.. If it were me I'd do everything that's already been suggested, and in addition I'd probably raise the transom by 5". A lot of guys have done that in the past, and even Wellcraft did it after a while, . It's really not that hard, and it will give you an additional 5" of splashguard. Just something to think about.

[Gfunk]

I'd love to, any "easy" way to do it without a full rebuild of the transom? Thought about building it up with 2x6's and glassing it over, overlao the existing and rgeu bolt it.

[smokeonthewater]

you can use a jackplate to raise the motor with the existing bolt location and glass a splashwall but with the exception of waves slpashing over the transom, this will have no effect on the water on the floor issue because the holes and floor will still be at the same height....
You could put valves over the splashwell drains but water in the splashwell is not a problem and doesn't need fixed.... the splashwell is there for a reason and is expected to get water in it.

[awthacker]

I remember an old thread where someone made a custom aluminum plate to raise the transom. I think there were two plates that sandwiched the transom, raised it to 25", and was sealed up with 5200. Looked like an easy way to do it.

Water splashes in and out of mine, and it doens't bother me, but I think for the amount of weight you'll typically be packing, you need to raise it. The biggest reason I'd do it would be to keep saltwater out of your cowling.

[smokeonthewater]

http://www.opentip.com/Sporting-Good...-p-669085.html

done deal

[smokeonthewater]

BTW.... raising the engine will give you more speed and better economy also

[reelapeelin]

Are those angle-cut motor supports in the splashwell???

[RidgeRunner]

You have been busy. I agree with raising the transom for peace of mind, speed and efficiency. I get nervous with water on deck, not so much in the splashwell.
Opti's alarm will sound of a steady tone for overheat and will go into limp mode to protect itself. Do you have the Smartcraft gauges? You might have had a thermostat stick closed or something odd like that.

[Gfunk]

Had to look twice before I realized what you were talking about......
The trolling board going across the back is actually inserted into to the gunnel mount rod holders (turned them around 180 degrees). The white things you see in the splashwell are the rubber inserts from the holders. Had to remove them to install the rod holder.

I decided to go ahead and get the jackplate, saw one similar to the one above but with only about 3/8" setback from where it is now. I'll look at both and see which one to go with. I'll also extend the transom cutout and glass the cap either over the summer or next winter.

Thanks for all the advice guys, taking this out for a five day trip to Lake Cumberland later this week to catch some stripers and all this puts my mind at ease since we usually leave the boat in the water for the entire trip.