I recently purchased a 16' Starcraft utility. Very good condition. Solid.
However, this boat has a 15 / 16 inch transom height. Had the transom been made such that it's top was at the same height as the gunwales, it would have been a 20 inch transom.
I intend on putting a new outboard on this boat, 20 - 25 hp. And this outboard may be used on other boats in the future. My sense is that I'd rather purchase a long shaft outboard. Also, I'd prefer the "security" of having a taller transom on this boat as it will be used in bay also, not just on small lakes.
So I'm thinking of increasing the transom height to 20". I'm thinking I'd do this using a sandwich of 1/4" aluminum and epoxy encapsulated marine ply through bolted on to the existing transom with some additional internal bracing as well.
What are your thoughts on this idea? Do you think that the benefits are worth the cost and time required to do this work?
However, this boat has a 15 / 16 inch transom height. Had the transom been made such that it's top was at the same height as the gunwales, it would have been a 20 inch transom.
I intend on putting a new outboard on this boat, 20 - 25 hp. And this outboard may be used on other boats in the future. My sense is that I'd rather purchase a long shaft outboard. Also, I'd prefer the "security" of having a taller transom on this boat as it will be used in bay also, not just on small lakes.
So I'm thinking of increasing the transom height to 20". I'm thinking I'd do this using a sandwich of 1/4" aluminum and epoxy encapsulated marine ply through bolted on to the existing transom with some additional internal bracing as well.
What are your thoughts on this idea? Do you think that the benefits are worth the cost and time required to do this work?