Thanks Griff, my plans may be changing anyway. I just gave a good inspection of the transum and motor mounts. The lower part of the cutout on the transum is a little soft. I had the engine out a few years ago and it had resign around the cutout. I noticed a little water in the bilge this summer. I also noticed the gel coat around the transum down low is cracking. The lag screws on one motor mount have loosened up. I may need to pull the engine this winter and beef up the motor mounts. If the transum looks like it needs repair I may just have the hole cut out 3" higher. That would put me at 5".

If the transom looks spongy on bottom I'd be looking at stringers as well. If that lag pulling out is any sign you may have a bigger project ahead of you. I know a few older Baja's that had similar rot issues.

I SURELY hope this is not the case but I'd inspect it very well before setting motor back in.

While your at it do away with the lags and through bolt everything.

Couldn't agree more. Sandwich the stringer between 2 pieces of 1/4 or 1/2" aluminum with one being a L bracket with the mount stud attached. It's how they did the newer Baja's. I'll take some pics of mine for you being the motors are out.

Thats exactally what I will do with the mounts. I am going to have them made to wrap around the stringer. I have not broke the news to the wife yet. I will know more when I get it apart.

Don't tell her anything.....just say you want to "freshen up" the bilge with some new paint