I have an '82 Sea Ox 20ft WA that suits my needs. (Probably will only boat
another 6-8 years.) Anyway, the '88 Evinrude 150hp 20"shaft engine is on
last legs and unreliable. I'm thinking of buying a gently used 2001-2003
replacement 150hp outboard, but almost all worth installing are 25" shafts.

My options seem to be: (1) Install an outboard transom bracket, which I
think is too costly, and may not be such a good idea on a 20' boat. (2)
Rebuild the transom, structurally, 5 inches higher for the cutout, again
seems too costly and will take a long time, and I may not have the skills.
Or (3) install a engine jackplate. CMC or Slidemaster seem to have what I
would use - manual adjustment with minimal setback (2.5 to 5.5 inches
depending on model). If I did that, I would probably fill in the transom,
to make it higher, but it would not be structural.

Questions - has anyone used a jackplate in this way? and what are the
pros/cons vs any other options. I am still a bit concerned on the aft
torque on by old (but seemingly solid) transom (boat history is trailer
storage vice in water).

Thanks for any advice.

HH

HH,
I believe the issue is available skills and tools. I think you will be be
far better off buying the correct motor and being done with the problem.You
already know your prefered solution is a bandaid, not a cure. The obvious
conclusion is to overhaul the existing motor, if you can't find a suitable
replacement. Buying a replacement is always risky, as you do not know its
real condition without complete dissassembly and inspection. An overhaul
also delivers peace of mind.
Steve

"HHatcher" wrote in message
news:FTYuk.252$jE1.129@trnddc03...
I have an '82 Sea Ox 20ft WA that suits my needs. (Probably will only boat
another 6-8 years.) Anyway, the '88 Evinrude 150hp 20"shaft engine is on
last legs and unreliable. I'm thinking of buying a gently used 2001-2003
replacement 150hp outboard, but almost all worth installing are 25" shafts.

My options seem to be: (1) Install an outboard transom bracket, which I
think is too costly, and may not be such a good idea on a 20' boat. (2)
Rebuild the transom, structurally, 5 inches higher for the cutout, again
seems too costly and will take a long time, and I may not have the skills.
Or (3) install a engine jackplate. CMC or Slidemaster seem to have what I
would use - manual adjustment with minimal setback (2.5 to 5.5 inches
depending on model). If I did that, I would probably fill in the transom,
to make it higher, but it would not be structural.

Questions - has anyone used a jackplate in this way? and what are the
pros/cons vs any other options. I am still a bit concerned on the aft
torque on by old (but seemingly solid) transom (boat history is trailer
storage vice in water).

Thanks for any advice.

HH

Thanks. You confirm what I probably already knew, but it's good to have
another opinion.
HH
"Steve Lusardi" wrote in message
...
HH,
I believe the issue is available skills and tools. I think you will be be
far better off buying the correct motor and being done with the
problem.You already know your prefered solution is a bandaid, not a cure.
The obvious conclusion is to overhaul the existing motor, if you can't
find a suitable replacement. Buying a replacement is always risky, as you
do not know its real condition without complete dissassembly and
inspection. An overhaul also delivers peace of mind.
Steve

"HHatcher" wrote in message
news:FTYuk.252$jE1.129@trnddc03...
I have an '82 Sea Ox 20ft WA that suits my needs. (Probably will only
boat another 6-8 years.) Anyway, the '88 Evinrude 150hp 20"shaft engine
is on last legs and unreliable. I'm thinking of buying a gently used
2001-2003 replacement 150hp outboard, but almost all worth installing are
25" shafts.

My options seem to be: (1) Install an outboard transom bracket, which I
think is too costly, and may not be such a good idea on a 20' boat. (2)
Rebuild the transom, structurally, 5 inches higher for the cutout, again
seems too costly and will take a long time, and I may not have the
skills. Or (3) install a engine jackplate. CMC or Slidemaster seem to
have what I would use - manual adjustment with minimal setback (2.5 to
5.5 inches depending on model). If I did that, I would probably fill in
the transom, to make it higher, but it would not be structural.

Questions - has anyone used a jackplate in this way? and what are the
pros/cons vs any other options. I am still a bit concerned on the aft
torque on by old (but seemingly solid) transom (boat history is trailer
storage vice in water).

Thanks for any advice.

HH