I think that's what its called, or is it the splashwell?. Anyway I'm gutting the back of my 24' O/B as I'll mount a 24" set back-swim platform like the new Banana's have, I think Charlie said they are 24"? Just wondering if anyone has done this? I plan to put a sun deck just like the new 24s have and I will use a metal plate to run across the inside for added support. I'll use a 300 hp 3.4 Merc O/B off the back. I've got 20 & 25" mids to chose from, I hear the 25" would be best?

I did it on the Pantera, replaced the transom, and reinforced stringers at the same time, 24" setback bracket, 25" Merc 250 EFI, Have pics of the whole process over on S&F.

Thanks again 71, I was going to look back at your threads, thanks for reminding me anyway. BTW, do you recall the size, metal, and thickness of the plate, assuming you used something across the inside of the transom? I'm sure i can get ahold of some stainless or iron to srew into the transom.

No Metal in mine, just lots of wood, and glass. With the setback bracket/platform, you really dont neet it if the transom is solid, there are like 18 bolts or so to spread the load, just use backup plates(large washers) if your transom is solid.

FReeze Frame re-did their transom a few years ago. Installed the backing plate, brackets to the stringers AND braces from tbe plate to the brackets. Sure looked solid. They have a thread somewhere. Good luck. We look forward to your photos.

I had taken mine out but put it back in after I repaired the shelf on the transom. You have to be careful if you are modifying you stringers that you don't create point loading. I have personal experience on this issue trying to hang 565 lbs outboard on the transom.

With a full lenght swim platform and a steel plate on the inside wouldn,t the stress be less then just mounting the O/B right to the transom? From what the transom mfg. says this should be so, but then again he gets $$$ from selling the swim platforms. Anyway thanks all and feel free to ad any feedback, I'll start only after I sand off the repaint, down to the org. gel coat, so the transom is at least a month or two from now.

Oh, BTW, can I leave the splash well for suport and just inclose up to the deck, assuming I'll make two or three access openings for such things as tha battery and trim tabs.

I kinda thought about doing that, but then I was all the way into it, so just cut it out.

As far as I know the boat is sound, stringers and such. I think I'll cut the base out of the well, take a look-see and decide from there. I'm sure the well works to help lock everything together but if it works better to take it all out then I will. I see the only difference with my hull is that I took the compartment behind the seat out, it think it gives me about another 18"s between the blooster seats and the bench seat.