Transom reinforcement suggestions?

[mustangermatt]

I built my CS 17 with no intention of ever mounting an engine so the transom is built according to the plans with the addition of some extra framing in the aft deck.

The question is now that I have a 32 pound 3 horse outboard, how should I reinforce the transom to support it?

I am considering just gluing a piece of 3/4" ply on the inside of 1/2 the transom, extending it to the fillets on all sides. Is this enough or will I need some gussets or frames as well? Maybe I should fillet and tape this piece in?

There will be one of the commercially available kicker mounts bolted onto the transom on the starboard side.

How did you guys do it and what worked?

[PAR]

Many folks go to great lengths to reinforce their transoms with lumber, knees and gussets, but it's not really necessary with 5 HP or less outboards. Double up the inside of the transom with a piece of 1/2" plywood, glued and screwed. Paint it nice and pretty and hang the motor, you're done.

[mustangermatt]

Thanks, thats just what I wanted to hear :-)

[Kidd]

Thanks from me too. I may one day break down and get a motor for mine.

[smacrae]

Actually there is a Japanese motor that would be small enough. Now what was the brand......? Starts with "H"....... :roll:

[Howard]

Depending.....always depends......on your ability to handle the weight of batteries and how far you want to go, but an electric trolling motor might work for some of you. I have a 42 pound thrust motor guide that I use on my 17 footer that weighs 1,500 pounds (boat not the motor). Moves it along at 3 knots for over an hour. I'd suspect maybe a range of 5 miles and that with a group 24 deep cycle battery. One or two group 27's acting as internal ballast somewhere near the center of the boat might push you along all day. But certainly enought to get you off the docks and around the loading ramp. Not in high wind, but that is what the sails are for.