Predictor transom cracking

[Checkmark]

Have a Predictor with a 150 V-6 Merc that is mounted 7" high and 8" set back on it's manual jackplate in relation to the top of the transom. It has cracked across the top of the transom and pulled the fender washers into the fiberglass on the splashwell side motor mounts. No other signs of transom fatigue, and a poke into some holes drilled near the area show solid wood. I'd like to reinforce with a 1/4" aluminum plate on the back of the transom, bolted thru a 1/4" aluminum plate 4" wide x 26" long across the splashwell side mounting bolts to spread the load. Possibly add some gussets welded from that to bolt to the angled portion of the splashwell over the gas tank.

Does this sound like a reasonable repair? Planning on moving to 5" setback, which will lower the engine a bit also.

 

[illMATTic]

Sounds like it rotted by the bolt holes only. That's good.

If I were you, I would go ahead with your plan. It is obviously not a permanent repair but you have to weigh what it would cost for a transom replacement.

If the boat was in pristine shape otherwise, I may think about replacing the transom. if it's just a river/lake beater then get back on the water by any means necessary.

 

[Great East Predictor]

This is after my transom was replaced but pretty much did what you are saying. I'll see if I can dig up pics of inside but used 1/4" thick 4" aluminum angle inside. The angle adds some strength.

 

[Checkmark]

Cracked transom

I don't see the pictures for some reason. Thanks for replies illMATTic and Great East; appreciated. The alum angle is cheaper which is nice, and I also thought would be stronger as I could use either 3X2" or 4X3" and have the angle over the top of the transom. Only thought I had was making it TOO strong and possibly overstressing the outside portion of the transom (load has to go somewhere). I thought by putting 2 gussets on the inside of the bolt holes, I would transfer some load to the splashwell and surrounding deck.

It may be wishful thinking, but I'd like to think the glass just cracked, and the transom is sound. I know we over reached with the engine setback and height. Check transoms are well built, and I'm thinking this will solve it. Hopeful anyway. The budget is limited, and time is short.

 

[Great East Predictor]

Maybe these will work. The inside transom shot is of my laser, not checkmate but its the same idea.

 

[Checkmark]

Yes those pics worked! Same plan I have, with possibly welding some gussets to the bracket in the splashwell and tying that into a bracket behind the splashwell over the gas tank. Is that a trophy on that 2 liter and does it give you good hole shot and top end. Is that a Predictor/150 also?

 

[Great East Predictor]

Yup that's a 150 spinning a 25 trophy, its a good all around prop with decent holeshot. Gets me about 70mph top end.

 

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predictor

Love your cowls! My son's predictor is all repaired and he got 70.1 on GPS. Runs a 24" Chopper that is kind of banged up. I'm guessing he could get another 2mph with a rework from somebody like Janaky at DAH. He's got the rear seat removed and the engine jacked to the moon. Thing sits at a 20 degree angle with about a foot of the pad in the water and just floats. Did a nice job setting it up.