Opinions on closing in transom?

ricknewman · #1 11-11-2018, 08:25 AM

Just repurchased one of the 23cc's that I had previously owned and it needs a new deck and probably tank.I am considering closing in the transom,which I replaced when I first owned the boat,and adding a bracket.Or should I leave it unmolested?I'd like to hear from the jury.

kmoose · #2 11-11-2018, 11:21 AM

How old? And do you want to get by or do you want to keep her at least 10 more years. Are you more concerned with function and durability or fit and finish. What is your budget? There are several ways to go but your short and long term goals need to be understood upfront or this discussion will be pretty broad in opinions.

There are pros and cons to closing in the transom as well as with brackets depending on hull model and intended use. You will get some excellent feedback from these guys but the more info, the better.

ricknewman · #3 11-11-2018, 09:09 PM

Ok, it's a '79 and I am on a budget.I plan on being buried in this boat this time. The plan is to repower with a 250 Honda.I don't like fishing around a bracketed outboard but having a fish box across the transom and the added security is nice.

kmoose · #4 11-11-2018, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricknewman

Ok, it's a '79 and I am on a budget.I plan on being buried in this boat this time. The plan is to repower with a 250 Honda.I don't like fishing around a bracketed outboard but having a fish box across the transom and the added security is nice.

CC or Scepter?

kmoose · #5 11-11-2018, 09:47 PM

If you go with a bracket weight of the Honda is going to come into play (622 lbs dry). Putting a stern fishbox or livewell is going to be a problem especially without raising the deck and scuppers. It can be compensated for moving the fuel tank and batteries forward but I still think you would have wet feet especially if it is a CC.

Capt Terry · #6 11-11-2018, 10:32 PM

Rick-
If you are considering closing transom and a bracket you should examine Bushwackers posts. He is the former performance moderator and discusses the pros and cons. I did a post on estimating cg shift where you can put some numbers to the process instead of simply guessing.

ricknewman · #7 11-12-2018, 08:10 PM

Thanks guys, yeah Moose it is a cc and I'm pretty sure that I am going to leave the transom alone.Doing the floor is going to be enough of a project.Whats the jury say about using fir plywood instead of the better and more expensive coosa?

flyingfrizzle · #8 11-13-2018, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricknewman

Thanks guys, yeah Moose it is a cc and I'm pretty sure that I am going to leave the transom alone.Doing the floor is going to be enough of a project.Whats the jury say about using fir plywood instead of the better and more expensive coosa?

Fir marine ply will last 50+ years if done right and sealed 100% and cost you less money. Something like coosa will be ok if not sealed perfect but hasn't been around 50 years yet so we really don't know what it will do long term. I assume it will out last the fir but you really don't know till that day comes for sure. Also you can have delamination problems with the composites if not prepped well where as wood can soak up the resin and leave dry spots. Each has its tendencies to watch out for when using. The way I look at it, if you have plenty of funds available use the high end composites. If your on a budget use fir and do a good job sealing it. Cant go wrong either way if done right. Resale value will be higher on a 100% composite wood free boat also if you plan to sell on day.