Boat Forum / Building / September 2008

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