new 23' 1975 owner- a few questions?

[Mark]

well without that chain, how do you propose to keep the engine from sinking when it falls off??!!

[Finster]

Safty first! [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[ScottM]

Brandon,
Welcome to the site. That piece of aluminum was probably put there as support for a questionable transom when the boat was repowered. I've personally seen many boats with a similar setup, and although not the right way to do things, it works when properly mounted. If the transom seems solid enough and the plate is sealed, use the boat this season and then make a punch list of things to change/repair for the off-season. With that said, in this neck of the woods, a transom redo will run anywhere from $3-5K depending on the shop and the method (replace from inside or outside the hull). To do a bracket properly, you'll have to redo the transom anyway, so the bracket route will be more $$.

Regarding bunk vs. roller, I like the simplicity and support characteristics of a bunk trailer, but here in New England a roller can't be beat for versatility. I deal with 8-10' (11+ with full/new moon) tide changes here in Mass. and a roller trailer is a huge asset when the tide is low at the ramp. Down your way the tide doesn't fluctuate as much, so a bunk may work well for you. I suppose if you're using the same ramp(s) over and over, you'll know what they're like at various tide stages, so again a bunk could be the ticket. Bunks are also nice because they don't cost as much as a roller setup.

Where do you fish out of in RI?

[fishman8]

Hi Scott! Sorry for the delay in response- It was a busy weekend picking up my boat (I bought it on Sunday morn). I usually fish Narragansett Bay, off Newport, and the Block with friends. I'm hoping with the seacraft I can get out a bit further as well- tuna and sharkin in the fall. I've got the boat in a friends slip for about a month in the bay, then I need to buy that trailer which will give me more range! I think I will end up with a bunk- my last boat was a straight inboard 23, and I didn't have any trouble with the ramps locally. Thanks for the feedback- I'm hopin this transom lasts me a couple of years at least!
Thanks again!
Brandon [image]seacraft transom[/image]