How thin can a transom be?
 

What's the thinnest transom you have seen that had no issues as far as the input shaft bottoming out in the coupler? I know Merc specs 2" as the recommended min, but needing to know how much thinner is still safe. Alpha/Bravo setup.
Thanks

I would PM GlassDave or maybe post it also in the fiberglass section. Otherwise to be on the safe side call your manufacturer tech line. They will more than likely be on the conservative side however more than likely for a reason.

Good luck,
John

It's a Baja, who would I call? :)
I agree the 2" is conservative, Just trying to see how much.
Thanks

Check in the baja section also. I'm pretty certain you'll get a response from boat owners with direct experience. I would think a lot has to do with the material used also. Year of the boat, size of the boat, type of drive or drives, number of engines, small blocks or big blocks,

When doing aluminum boats, the transoms are typically 1/4". However, we add a forging or thick piece of billet when mounting a stern drive to bring the total thickness to manufacturer's specs.

On a fiberglass boat, of you are trying to save weight or cost, the transom is not the place to do it, in my opinion. The loads from the drives, tabs and steering are quite high.