Hey guys, I have a 16 alweld jon boat with a 22hp LT. The transom right now is 20", but the bigger problem is there is a support in the middle of it. This caused the previous owner to install a jack plate that raises it another 3". So my dilemma is I am running a LT built for a 16" transom on a 23" transom. I have gone over this in my head 100x and I'm afraid my only option is going to be to cut down my transom.

I am wondering if anyone can give some tips on this process, as well as what shape I should make the cut. Should i cut out just a square? or should I come in from the sides with an angle before flattening out the bottom of the cut?

Thanks for any tips or advice

I have seen people cut out a piece wide enough to fit the motor, with maybe a inch of room on each side. the middle brace was just cut down low enough to mount the motor, then capped off and welded so it don't look all negro.

Do u think that would be the better option structurally?

Yes, my old boat was like this for the GDLT,
Just cut enough on the brace to hang the motor.
You will be fine.

do you have any pics u can send me of the final product? did u have to use any wood to rebrace the transom?

I don't have any pictures right now, I am offshore.
I didn't have to rebrace the transom. If you are running a longtail on it, you will have no issues.

and yes, cut down your transom to 16" and you will see a world of difference in performance, and a lot easier to handle.

good deal.. that is what I wanted to here. Thanks for the help

Well I am hauling my boat to work this evening and we are going to work on it throughout the shift tonight and tomorrow. I think I have everything I need to finish it. Im just going to use a sawzall to cut it. I got some pressure treated 2x6 to reinforce it, and some heavy duty liquid nails/sealer to attach a piece of flashing for sealing off the top/raw wood. I figured the flashing would work fine since its just to keep water out and not for structural purposes. I will let you guys know how it turns out. Thanks for the info.

How are you wanting to use 2x6 to reinforce it?
I wouldn't put the treated wood, up against the transom.

Ok after looking closer, we opted to just flip the jack plate upside down. We are having to do a little modifying to the handle on my motor, but nothing a house full of firemen can't handle haha. Saturday night/Sunday shift is made for projects like this. Should be running tomorrow evening after work.

Ok, hate to flood the forum with probably useless information, but I ran the boat after work Sunday evening and dropping the motor down that much made a WORLD of difference. It handled and drove almost effortlessly and I got the same speed with 2 people and a cooler that I was getting just by myself before we lowered it. Thanks for the info guys. And I am kind of glad I didn't hack into my transom....haha