Strengthening a P18 transom

[stevie wonder]

Hi folks,

I need some advice and suggestions on how to strengthen the transom on my P18. Something like a support plate or similar is what I'm thinking at the moment.

Currently everything is fine, no cracks or crazing, this is more of a preventative measure as I will be removing the engine very soon to fit a CMC hydraulic power lift (5.5" setback).

Engine is a 2 litre Mariner 150 (172kgs), but I might be replacing it with something like a Mercury/Mariner 200 in the near future - either way the weight will be very similar.

[still no worries]

Why are you fitting a lifter ? the p18 runs better without one, iv"e had an 18 from 1992 till now with half a dozen different engines, if the transom is fine now why bother making it stronger, (i currently run a 280 efi)

[stevie wonder]

The engine sits quite low at present and I have a Bobs nose cone low water pick up that is going to be fitted so I can experiment raising the engine. The idea being I have a 22" and a 24" chopper prop to experiment with.

What were the problems with running a jack plate?

Is it worth me selling it and just raising the engine on the transom then?

Cheers,


Steve

[still no worries]

hi
you are very low on the transom at the moment, i had a standard 200 merc the same gear box as you have and i could run that at 25 inches thats the keel to the top of the transom without a nose cone, i would try it higher first, you wont need the nose cone untill your over 25 inches as for the lifter they are great if you want to ski with it low then rise it for more speed, i would spend your money on nylon mounts instead.
hope this helps.
p.s. a water pressure gauge is good thing to have as well also a new impeller

[stevie wonder]

I already have a water pressure gauge fitted and the powerlift has been sat in my workshop for a long time.

Where can I source the nylon mounts? This is on my list of things to do!

Steve

[still no worries]

if you take your mounts out and take them to any metal work shop they should be able to make them out of alloy or preferably nylon (tiny bit of give) then put them back with a smear of sicaflex

[boatpain]

what and where do nylon mounts go please educate me cheers boatpain