Retro Crestliner Discussion Forum

Tim&Val · Joined: 10 Sep 2009 Posts: 6

After some online "research", I am going to modify my original question about raising the transom height.

I have an 18 ft Voyager. Has anyone used a jack plate on a Voyager to raise the motor height? If you have was it a favorable or unsatisfactory result.

Thanks for the input.

Chris · Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 270 Location: North West

I have not used a jack plate. I have however built new transom wood for a Commander, that was almost 3 inches higher than original. But I use it with a short shaft motor. I was after more speed by getting more of the leg out of the water. Works great, but you have to watch the cornering. Bit off topic, but if you're skilled at wood/metal work, you could certainly do similar.

I hate to be "one of those" forum members, but I must say - seems perhaps you'd be more happy with just buying a different, more modern aluminum boat. One that was actually designed for fishing. Adding jackplates, and re-doing the interior for fishing (and cutting decks, mounting electric motors etc. like some do) is not really what these boats are about, and there are lots of 1960's boats that are made that way.

But hey, it's yours. Just seems like a lot of work when there might be something cheap and already the way you want.
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Chris
1956 Commander 520
1956 Viking
'55 Johnson 10,'57 Johnson 18,'55 Johnson 25
1958 Evinrude Lark 35

http://www.retrocrestliner.com/viewerphotospage53.htm

http://s127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/7car7/Aluminum%20Runabouts/My%20Boats/

OutBdNut · Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 593 Location: Minnesota

The transom supports a lot of weight, thrust, and stress knocking around in waves. Building the transom up is not a trivial effort. I've seen a couple that have been done well, but I would not attempt it. I'd find someone who has done it before that will guarantee the job, supporting motors up to 260 pounds of motor weight (The V4 OMCs and big 4-strokes weigh that much) and 60 to 75 HP of oomph! Even 30 HP 4-strokes can weigh 180 pounds. Old 30 and 40HP 2-strokes can weigh 150 pounds. Ask the person to see one that he/she did before committing.
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Dave
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57 Commander 12 Custom Deluxe 550
58 Commodore 14 Speedster (modified)
58 Cadillac Riviera 14 split deck
Dozens of old outboards

Tim&Val · Joined: 10 Sep 2009 Posts: 6

Thanks to all for your replies and input. Jack plate does not seem to be the way to go.