[Mumm]

I have an 85 hp mercury outboard motor for my boat but im not sure my transom is strong enough to hold up this big motor or be able to withstand the force of it. Take a look at the pictures and tell me if you think it will be fine or do I need to reinforce it some how? (if so could you leave some ideas ive never done anything with redoing a transom) Or should I just sell the 85 hp and go out and find me a smaller motor! just a little unsure on what to do about this situation! All comments and tips are appreciated thanks!

 

[Mumm]

 

[crfishhunter]

You better beef it up put some transome braces on it for sure

 

[mikebosmans]

Extremely overpowered boats and the heavy loads of bowfishing don't mix well. Use your head and put on what the boat is rated for.

Need convincing? See this post and scroll done to read point #1
http://bow.fishingcountry.com/forums/showthread.php?39062-Thoughts-from-Scott-Dowdell-Ryan-s-uncle!!!

 

[Mumm]

Thank you for sharing that with me it really opened up my eyes! That is a very sad story. I guess i am going to sell my motor and go out and get a smaller one hopefully soon so i can get out and do some bowfishing soon!

 

[mikebosmans]

You're welcome. I understand the desire to have plenty of motor on the back and in the right situation it can contribute to safety by not being terribly underpowered, but more often than not it's not a good idea.

What size boat are you building?

 

[Mumm]

16 foot long 5 and half foot wide

 

[eshaw]

I'd definitely think long and hard about adding some bracing for that transom. Look around at similar boats and see how the transoms are braced. Motors apply a compressive and tension to the transom. Having one that is unsupported in the center is where all the forces tend to congregate and that's where you'll usually see any signs of failure unless of course there are weaker places.

 

[whiteriverrambo]

i would not put anything bigger than a 40 on a 1648. especially with a wood transom. no matter what you do make sure you use a transom saver when trailering. I was there the night Matt and Ryan went under. that boat had a lot of added weight to it. a 1648 is a 2 man bowfishing boat. no way should we allow 4 guys to go out in such a small vessel. very rarely do i even allow 4 on my 1660

 

[mikebosmans]

Thank you for sharing that with me it really opened up my eyes! That is a very sad story. I guess i am going to sell my motor and go out and get a smaller one hopefully soon so i can get out and do some bowfishing soon!

Best thing I read on this thread

 

[dylanmanhardt]

How much do you want for the motor if you do decide to sell it and do you have any pictures of it? I need a motor for my 1870

 

[mikebosmans]

He put it up for sale in the classifieds with pictures. I think he was open to offers.