I have an 88 Baja 235 Force, and while the engine is out, I was thinking about extending the notch in the rear stringers a few inches further forward to give me a little bit more room to get to the starter if necessary and the oil filter (using a t-stat sandwich oil cooler adapter). There are already two notches back there that extend all the way to the stringer forward about 8 inches or so - the notches are about two inches deep off the tops. I can't see how extending them forward a little bit could upset the structural integrity of the motor mounts, but I thought I would run that across some of the fiberglass experts. Of course, I will go back and encapsulate the cut area with fiberglass cloth and resin and bilge paint.

I'll post a picture if necessary. I'll be in there working on it this weekend. Thanks.

1988 boat I would be concerned with Moisture in them.
Leave them stock, Buy Mini HP starter

Yeah, that thought went through my mind - I might not want to know what's on the inside of them. Should be able to tell if there is any moisture in that area by simply drilling a small hole (of course, remembering to fill back in if I don't notch them). More concerned if it would weaken anything structurally. I'll have to post a picture over the weekend.

My real concern is less on the starter side (already have the mini Merc starter) and more on the port side for oil filter clearance. I added a thermostatic sandwich oil filter / cooler adapter, and the filter mounds directly to it. Makes changing filter a bit of a pain, but eliminates about 5 feet of restrictive oil cooler lines and fittings. The goal is better oil flow to the engine, and the ability to keep the oil up to proper temp.

Get her solid/Investigate possible Trouble.
That way no Issues pop up in the Season.
Engine out is Best Time, tighten the Bolts with confidence

Here is a picture of what I am trying to accomplish:



Yellow line is approximately where I want to notch for additional clearance. Any issues with doing this?

While its out if your not using the exhaust y yank it out to. I dont think it would hurt anything to notch the stringer.

I would like to get my switchable exhaust functional again, but I need to get the right kind of collector with a built-in diverter for my Lightning headers.