rebuilding/ beefing up a transom ?

[V8_TITAN]

I have an 85 1648 that the transom has seen better days. the wood is gone, and the aluminum is cracked in a few places. Other then replacing the wood, and welding the cracks. What are some good ideas to beef it up ? I just picked up an evinrude 70hp 4 stroke dirt cheap (same as a suzuki df70) and I intend on putting the motor on this boat with a jack plate that came with the motor. I dont plan on abusing the boat and going WOT because I know this is a lot of motor...Im going to probably weld some small pontoons on the back to help with the weight of the motor...


so basically. any advice, or pics of what and how to do the transom would be great.

also I know this may sound dumb, I havent compared the weights of the motors, But I also have an 02 ficht 115 and an 07 e-tec 115 that may or may not be lighter then this 4 stroke... IF I had it my way I would trade the 1648 for something bigger like an 1860. but I dont have 3500 to drop on a new jon boat...

 

[V8_TITAN]

just checked the 4 stroke 70 weighs 341, the ficht weights 360, and the etec is 375.

 

[DaveInGA]

Post some pics and measure how thick the original transom was is the best way to start.

 

[V8_TITAN]

ill take some pics tomorrow unless I can find some on my computer.

also what am I looking for when I check the original thickness ? just to see how thick of wood goes back in there ?

 

[DaveInGA]

The aluminum that surrounded the transom will give you the thickness, just measure the inside back to front as it were.

 

[V8_TITAN]

didnt have a chance to measure it but here are a few pics. Im thinking about adding a 3/8 or 1/4 aluminum plate across the entire transom, and replace the wood on the inside all the way across, as well as add some more bracing to help hold it up straight.

im going to work on a drawing to explain a little better.

 

[crazymanme2]

I would beef up your corners.Put some larger triangle pieces of aluminum in your corners & take off the old ones.The piece of metal that goes across the transom top should be in a u shape to add strength also.The top transom piece will tie into the transom corners.

 

[V8_TITAN]

thanks, I was also planing on the corner supports for sure.... how thick of aluminum should I go ??? 1/4 too thick ?

 

[crazymanme2]

I believe mine is 3/16 with a bend on both outside edges for more strength.