Stock transom height on '78 20SF?

[rcoster38]

Hi all,

About to get started on my first Seacraft restore on my '78 20SF.

First off, this site is incredible. I can't tell you how much I've learned just by studying up on all of the info here, so thank you all for that.

My first question (of probably many more to come): I'm trying to decide what to do with my transom. It feels solid as a rock, although there are some minor cracks in the gelcoat that have me wondering. It's a 25" transom, and from what I can tell from research, the Potters originally had 20” transoms. Wondering if the 25" means it's been rebuillt at some point (which would explain why it's so solid and why the gelcoat work looks like it might not be a factory job) or if Potter was making 25" transoms in '78. I have a lot of other work lined up for the winter and I'd rather not replace the transom, especially since it feels solid and will probably be a bear to remove

[ricknewman]

I don't know what year they started but if it's 25" and ain't broke, why fix it?

[Bigshrimpin]

1977 was the first year of 25" shaft OMC motors. Merc's first 25" shaft was in 1977 too.

https://issuu.com/garzonstudio/docs/evinrude-1977

[rcoster38]

Originally Posted by ricknewman

I don't know what year they started but if it's 25" and ain't broke, why fix it?

Basically my thought process is if it's a 40 year old transom, I might as well rebuild it this winter while she's all torn up. If it's a 10-ish year old transom, I might as well leave that project for another day and shrink the scope of work for this winter so that I can go boating this spring. I'd like to potentially put a full transom, bracket, and repower at some point, but that does not fit in the budget or time schedule right now.

will drill some test holes this evening and see what comes out

[DonV]

Remember!! From my experience 90% of transom failures, wet transoms, are screw holes not properly sealed. Keep that in mind as you drill.

[Capt Terry]

Hey rcoster38
If the wood from your exporatory holes isnt obviously wet, put in a baggy and out in the sun to see if moisture appears. Then even if damp and want to do a full transom, try a deflection test to see if you can postpone the redo. I put jackstands under the aft end of the trailer hooked to the car. Mounted some wood rods into wood blocks sitting on the driveway with the end of the rods near but not touching the transom. Then bounced up and down on the AV plate and observed the change in the gap between the rod and transom.