Most metal boats that I remember had a wooden board affixed to the transom
for the purpose of attaching the motor. It's dual purpose was both support,
and to allow the motor's hand screws something to bite into.

You sure could add one, if you were so inclined. RichG

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RichG manager, Carolina Skiff Owners Group on MSN
http://groups.msn.com/CarolinaSkiffOwners
"tom clark" wrote in message
om...
The transom on my 1996 16 foot Discovery Marine Inc. aluminium fishing
boat is powered my a Merc 20 and when you tighten the motor mount
clamps the aluminium on the inside of the boat bends inwards. Is there
a wood core that is rotten or is it just that the metal is too thin
and not meant to be clamped. If rotten how do i fix it?