Mark: I just posted how I replaced the interal aspect of my transom. It is like a rock. I suggest you get a rubber hammer and wack the transom and see what it sounds like. If it has rot it will not resonate the same and it may need replacing. It is a big job but very doable and rewarding when you finish. I will not hesitate to transpost an outboard on my transom when I finish. Lou ________________________________ From: Mark House <itsmark@bresnan.net> To: Montgomery Sailboats Chat <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Fri, February 25, 2011 10:03:58 PM Subject: M_Boats: M-17 Outboard Issues Jerry Montgomery says that the outboard belongs in the boat while sailing, but that's simply not practical. My old M-17 with cutout transom is said to be too weak to trailer the boat with the outboard mounted. Is this true? Has anyone actually had damage or a failure? I use a 4 HP 4-cycle Suzuki, weighing 57 lb. Seems like if the transom is strong enough to take the weight and thrust while vibrating and slamming into waves, it ought to be ok going down the highway on a trailer... My cutout transom is pretty close to the rudder, and I have had the outboard prop hit my new $600+ IdaFoil. Luckily there was no damage. Looks to me like a Davis Doel-Fin mounted on the cavitation plate would prevent the problem. Has anyone tried to install a hydrofoil on such a small motor? If so which one? Thanks, Mark House # 232 "Seranita" _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats When posting, remember that there is no privacy on the Internet!