Notched transom?

[Charlieroc]

Is there a practical reason for the notch in the transom.....other than perhaps to allow for a shorter lower unit on the engine?

 

[B-Faithful]

easier to reach around fishing... less LOA if you are restricted in some way.

personally... give me a full transom and bracket though.

 

[DaleH]

Cheaper way to make the boat - less layup, core, glass and no expen$ive motor bracket, probably even a cheaper mold(s)

Cheaper to rig - shorter cables all around, easier access so 'faster' to rig as well as hang an OB onto

Was a viable if not extremely practical method for older, lower HP, and shallower V hulls ... think early Mako 18 CCs.

 

[DaleH]

Cheap? I think not.

I meant cheap as in co$ts, but not to imply 'poor construction'. It is a sound way to make a hull. Interesting point about Regs and other hull still using notches.

 

[mildew2]

Notched transom boat is easier to manuver in and out of the ramp off a hard running river. Have proven that many times..
( Murderkill on Del. Bay)

 

[Charlieroc]

Thanks guys. Good info. Just curious.

 

[Megabyte]

I don't get the whole "easier to work a fish" argument.
I've never had an issue bringing a fish to my boat. Have I been lucky?

If you need to get closer to the fish and can't bring it to the stern quarter, step out onto the swim platform. That'll get you closer!

Maybe it's a different story offshore, but in the Bay I don't see any advantage (and my previous boat had a notch).

 

[Parker]

The notch/bracket debate. It is just a matter of preference. I have fished both and there are benefits to each. My 2520 DV is a notch, with a 30 inch transom. I have never had water come over the transom and it is very easy to fish around the motor. That said, I have spent a lot of time on a Parker with a bracket. The bracket allows for a full transom with storage and a nice place to sit. I have never had a problem fighting a fish with a bracket, as of yet.

 

[DaleH]

It's a way different story coastal/ocean, and way different fish, different bait. Next time it's 3-4, I'll call yer. Let you go for a walk on the transom bracket.

No calling people out if your opinion differs ... :roll:

FACT: As per Boat/US files ... The single most critical reason boats are flooded out on the open water has to do with transom height. 86% of the boats that were swamped were outboard powered with engine cut-outs that were often only inches above the waves.

Notch ... full transom ... both have merits and thus they also weak points. Debate to the topic? Sure . But do so civilly or be gone ...

 

[Interloper]

My boat was built with a notched transom. A previous owner had moved the outboard motor to a bracket and installed a panel across the opening in the transom. I understand why he did this as he fished in the Atlantic out of Cape May. Two consequences were that the boat sat in the water with the scuppers close to the waterline and trimmed bow up while underway.

I am less concerned about taking waves over the transom as I use the boat as a family picnic boat and generally stay in fairly sheltered water. I am more worried about the boat taking on water through the scuppers during a heavy thunderstorm while at the dock. I had the bracket removed and the motor remounted to the transom. This raised the scuppers about an inch higher above the waterline and improved the trim while underway. I also added a short bulkhead just forward of the transom to corral any water that does splash through the transom opening.

 

[Interloper]

Regarding why boats sink, Boat U.S. did a study on this.

http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/sinking/default.asp

The article notes, "for every boat that sinks underway, four boats sink in their slips." The breakdown for dockside sinkings is as follows.

Underwater Fittings: 50%
Rain and Snow: 32%
Fittings Above the Waterline: 9%
Poor Docking Arrangements: 8%
Other: 1%

The breakdown for underway sinkings is as follows.

Taking Water Over the Gunwales: 30%
Leaks at Thru-hulls: 18%
Leaks at Raw water Cooling System/Exhaust: 12%
Drain Plug Missing: 12%
Navigation Error (Grounding): 10%
Boat Construction (Hull Split Open): 6%
Leaks at Outdrive Boots: 4%
Struck Floating Debris: 4%
Other: 4%

Regarding taking water over the gunwales, a sidebar to the article states, "The single most critical reason boats are flooded on open water has to do with transom height. Thirteen of 15 boats in the sample group that were swamped were outboard powered, with engine cut-outs that were often only inches above the waves. (Of the two remaining boats, one was an inboard with very low freeboard that took a wave over the bow and the other was a sailboat that was knocked down and sank when water entered a unsecured cockpit hatch.)"

 

[Porkchunker]

Notch transom is way more gudder to work a fish around. Easy to throw cast net off stern. Inherently better balanced w/motor at transom. Look at what we Parker owners have to do to get bow down. Wave over bow washes out stern instantly. How long would it take to drain a wave outta 4-1.5 inch holes?

The new 32' SeaCraft Master Angler is notch transom, Cheap? I think not. Iconic 23' Regulator is also notch transom.

Agree...can't remember how many times I've had the fish line get tangled on the lower unit(s) of my bracket mounted F-115s. Last weekend, I had a cownosed ray hooked up and it went around both lower units a couple of times before I gave up and cut the line. However,...I like the motors on the bracket, an unobstructed cockpit to fish from, and the full transom fishbox. Every style is a compromise.

Dave

aka

 

[Brian S]

Here is my answer to closing off the transom and adding a fish box...one of the best upgrades on the boat so far

 

[B-Faithful]

Fall of 2007 There was a boater in DE Bay anchored up striper fishing. Anchor line got tied up in the prop turing the knotched transom of the 25' C-hawk into the rougher seas. With the current and waves pushing hard against the transom and anchor line pulled tight, It only took minutes to fill the boat with enough water to turtle the boat.. Yes there was loss of life..

Here was the thread about it. Too bad the news article links are dead at this point as evidence. http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-for ... -days.html

I have been drifting eels in the Cape May Rips with my father and have had waves put some water over full transoms. Give me the full transom please. I will reach around the motor if I have to or get the capt to swing the boat. A good splash board would be a great help on a cut transom IMHO

 

[Parkerman]

Owning a notch transome I am reading this thread and feeling the need to add a splash board. If I were to install one strait across from battery storage box to "other" box it would impead the motor tilt. Any thoughts there? A notch in the splash guard??

 

[MaxOut]

Two me the advantage of the notch out weighed advantages of the full transom.


Megabyte - I fish the Chesapeake Bay mainly and primarily trolling for Striped Bass. I run upwards of 15 rods and No Outriggers, I land 99% of my fish without a net between the motor and the transom in the notch. I use 100lb leaders and trust them to handle all but the biggest of Striped Bass hand lining. When the fish arrives at the transom I reach between the motor and transom in the notch and can lip the fish easily but generally grab the parachute head and lift the fish on board sliding it through the notch. Lifting a fish over a gunwale of a full transom is a greater distance and requires a net, gaff (not for Striped Bass) or lifting by leader, greater chance fish will escape and may take two people to land. I have to respectfully disagree.

Other notch transom advantages include lighter boat to trailer, place cooler in middle of cockpit were used as a table and balanced seating, way easier to get to motors safely at sea, shorter LOA (easier to maneuver), less money , easier to reach prop while at sea (swim platform on notch is beside motor), based on what I have read here they plane better (My factory trim tabs are plenty), lower center of gravity and....... although the notch could allow water in it also allows it out.
:wink:

I do not want to point out the disadvantages without pointing out the advantages of a full transom so here it is- (of coarse this is only my opinion) A full transom with a bracket has a greater LOA and should ride better, the transom fish box is nice to have (not where I want mine but nice), full transom adds structural strength overall, may be safer in certain conditions (especially with small children), storage?, well that’s all I can think of but I’m sure there is more.

All things considered I made a decision based on my needs and application but anyone considering notched or full will have to do the same. Hope some of this helps.
8)

 

[JTR]

Notched or full is a matter of preference.

When I was searching for a boat a full transom was at the top of the list. As for reaching around the motor with a fish on, it can be a pain but the trade off for having a place to stand while peeing is worth it!

 

[Megabyte]

the trade off for having a place to stand while peeing is worth it!

:lol:
8)

 

[MaxOut]

the trade off for having a place to stand while peeing is worth it!

:lol:
8)

Funny you mention that because many times people will kneel and pee through the notch (similar to above but more discrete) :lol: Another advantage of a notch :lol:

 

[gundog]

Not being gifted, I use an oil can funnel to get over the side with ease. :lol:

Easy to clean with a simple dunk in the water.