I hope no one else has to go through what im going through (with the transom),, but this is the reality of powerboating. I had a 27ft scarab before this, i lost about $15k on because it was rotted from the transom to the helm and I had no clue until the engines almost bounced out! Ive learned alot about boats since then.. Luckily im a single man with no children and have the luxury of time, better now than later when I might not! I love this boat and im willing to do the work and spend the money to keep it/make it 100%. I want to show the boat being brought back to what its supposed to be (in my eyes) and even better. Also for everyone else to enjoy the process and maybe even learn from it or get some ideas. I didnt think I would have to do all this work this soon but the boat is also approaching 20 years old.

As for the transom,, Biggest thing for me is Im not afraid to run it in rough conditions, sometimes you dont have a choice on Lake Michigan! It could be glass when you leave the marina and then 3-5 footers a couple hours later on the way back. And knowing that the Transom had been compromised really didn't sit well with me, Especially hitting Big waves/wakes during poker runs. I looked at it as more of a safety hazard knowing that one day, it would eventually be rotten and the transom would flex like a wet noodle. I thought about drying it out but just decided to just pony up and have it replaced this winter.

Hydraulic steering is a MUST on these boats. Before I did the upgrade the boat was terrifying over 60 mph. I recommend the kit from IMCO. The quality is amazing and the customer service is also top notch.

Should have an update for everyone in a few days... but in the meantime, check out the new steps/cupholders I got for the back seat!
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...fcbe684cc7.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...ac6272b9e7.jpg

While you are doing all of this, it doesn’t feel like you will ever be done. At the end you won’t ever look back. I went thru all of this three years ago and I have no regrets. My boat is better than new and yours will be too. Good luck and I can’t wait to see it going back together

Impressive work...keep it up! (subscribed)

Sketching some new ideas for exhaust since I will be going dry to tip or completely dry. Thinking about doing something unique since I will have the old holes filled.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...9eb241ba36.jpg
Kinda going for a staggered boat style echaust look from the outside.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...a4206d468b.jpg
For example

Looks neat, not sure if the effort/reward is worth it, but that's up to you.
The 292 has those engines packed in tight!

On that photo, the port outlets, are not always the port engine, sometimes they cross.

https://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/jp...cury-35--1.jpg

https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/...-27-03-045.jpg

Well... if you already removed everything... and the transom is bad... what about a bracket some twin Mercury 350s hanging off the back? :)

https://www.wavetowave.com/home/2020...ck-in-business

That would be killer. then your old engine bay would be actual useful storage on a 292!
and no more broken hands/arms/legs from the engine bay...

just throwin' it out there lol.

Not a fan of outboards on Go-fast, but wouldnt mind a 30ft CC for partying with twin 400's on the back.

As for the exhaust crossing over, I just want the cool look of the pipes angled towards eachother with the staggered close together look on the outside, just to kinda change it up since I'm changing the tails. Most likely gonna mock them up myself and cut everything and bring it to a local welding friend for the finished product (rather than spend 6k on tails just to risk them not fitting right).

Where did you get the step/cupholders? They are badass. Would like to have them for my 382!!

To everyone interested in the cupholders. I got them from a gentleman on facebook named Jason Grinarml. He is very friendly and professional and ships fast! I could ask him if he's on OSO.

Thanks. Best of luck with your project!!

This is all I have for you guys so far, talked to Dave and the boat is almost ready for the new transom to go in. Hopefully have more pics and updates after the holidays. I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Here's to 2021!!
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...04355f000d.jpg

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays. Here's to 2021! Another update from Dave on HEAD RUSH.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...c7894c709f.jpg

wow. that is some work.

Hi, thats a serious job... i can relate.
Just on the home straight with my 242ss, complete new transom. Seemed daunting at first, but do it slowly and properly... you'll be very impressed with yourself, and it'll be solid!

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...bab2cda67.jpeg
New transom is in! Isn't it beautiful?

Looks great!
I'm at that stage too, about to flow coat. How many glass lay-up did you do?

Now's the time to stick a bracket on it, and toss two 350 Verados on there! :)

Don't see being able to do the exhaust as sketched and still have outdrives. If you installed transmissions then it would work

Nice work so far

can you go out the sides of the boat? vs. rear.

Glass Dave here on OSO is doing the work. Not sure exactly, he might chime in at some point.

Just throwing some ideas around, I won't know exactly what i can do until i have the engines back in the boat. Maybe not something that extreme but the tips slightly closer together on the transom would look cool. Just figured I'd make it unique since i have a blank canvas.

For the cost of 2 verados i could build a couple bullet-proof small blocks and upgrade to XR drives. And i would still have money leftover lol. If i ever have a boat with outboards itll be a CC.

Looking good. Is that plywood or composite?

I would stick with stock exhaust...what happens if it needs to be replaced down the road. Cost an arm and a leg...next buyer might not be so thrilled with your decision.

Already have IMCO powerflow manifolds with 14 inch stainless tails that i ran last 2 seasons.. stock exhaust went to the scrap yard. The stock exhaust and silent thunder is the reason I had to replace the transom in the first place since it leaked at the tips.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...697ae4c44.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...4937ed8e4.jpeg
Dave finished her up. I am beyond excited! Picking her up next weekend

Hope everyone is doing well, got HEAD RUSH back a few weeks ago. Shes Currently sitting in a heated barn waiting for me to put her back together. Been busy enjoying my snowmobile. Gotta bring my tools down there and get to work!
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...ac32e8f6f.jpeg

Clocks ticking! 99 days until I launch mine again. Where I have I seen that paint job before? lol.

Looks great, it will be better than new. What’s the $$$ of something like that?

I did all the De-rigging myself, it was around $6k for the transom replacement. Still putting another $10k into the boat in New parts and maintenance.

With the 3 feet of snow on the ground and sub-zero Temps here in Chi-town, I'm in absolutely no hurry lol. This white stuff ain't gonna melt till the the beginning of May if we're lucky lol.

Franks292, If you haven't already done it, Change out the cheap looking plastic bilge thru-hulls and put some nice Stainless or chrome in its place. Plenty of room to do it now that the engines are out.
Also, what was the cost of the job? I know variables/demographics effect the cost. just getting an idea.........
What material did Dave use,Coosa board?

Looks fantastic............

Hows the Formula coming along? Just wanted to get an update. I hope all is well. Ive enjoyed following your build.

Hi everyone, I know I've been dark for a while here... Unfortunately i have hit an unforseen and devastating roadblock that has set me back a few months with getting HEAD RUSH back on the water. It isnt due to personal or health reasons but I don't wish to go into detail. As soon as everything is straightened out I will be posting weekly updates on the progress and rebuild of the boat.

But I the meantime I have purchased brand new HP transom assemblies from CK marine. Big thanks to Mike for helping me out. As I said before, this boat will come back better than it left the Formula factory!
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...1bccf16ac7.jpg

is there a specific place or brand that you recommend?

No specific place or brand. Just a replacement. West Marine is everywhere...
On your new Transom Assem., they come with no trim senders. Can you install them or are you going to do with out? Have you heard of MDC trim Sync? TrimSync

Neat gizmo, but for $900 I'll just trim mine for now :)

Next boat with Verado's can auto do that I think.

Hey everyone, I know I've been MIA the last few months, BUT IM BACK! HEAD RUSH is slowly coming together. I have added some more parts to the list including stainless thru hull fittings and bow light, new Autometer marine gauges and the new BTR windshield support. Looking forward to giving you guys more updates as we go!
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...1d2856d4ec.jpg
Prepping for install of the stbd side transom assembly
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...8a11e0ab89.jpg
Stbd side installed
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...0e60f96bf1.jpg
Hardin pumps installed
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...0d407257eb.jpg
Port side engine coming back together for drop in

Looks great, nice work
Don't like those single point drains. Those things will crack someday and the single point have clogged before and can cause a crack block