Are we strengthening the transom for a couple of 400's? Nows your chance Skate.

Look closely again at the card board template. It resembles the motor wells on either side.

I know Pete reportedly put more plywood in Steve's widened 308 scheduled for 400's, but as someone who has experience breaking transoms, the 308 has great support and should easily handle the heavier 400's on typical mountings IMO. If and that's a big if I ever go with 400's I'll reinforce the transom with aluminum or stainless supports as necessary. Right now I like my 300 XS's and they like me.. Pete is going to cantilever the 400's on Steve's 308 with a larger bracket style jack plate since he filled in the notch. This makes the load on the transom significantly different than a normal Jack plate or bolting directly to the transom.

Also having a huge bracket hanging off the back offsets gains made by filling in the notch. If they do not move any weight IMO it will still be light in front end making the boat flighty in rough water. But if all you do is run on a lake may be a non issue.
Look at Skates Avatar and the attitude of the boat.

Wow Sam!!! I must have Ben on a different planet
I just now so this post on your flat deck conv.
You deff have the rite Guy on the job ! As soon
As I pull the trigger on painting the 24 Chris will be the
Guy doing it ,can't wait to see the finished project
Down in your neck of the woods working in Conway on lock 8
Much warmer then Iowa ! Lol

ZHow long you down here? Give me a call I'll meet you for dinner one night if you have time.

The bow on my 308 runs pretty high. It's hard to see over even at 6' and extra foam in the seat. We will correct this issue with weight redistribution on the re-rig and deck cutdown.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]536833[/ATTACH]

So when the deck is removed the hull has to be built up to the level of the new flat deck. Vacuum bagged baltec coring is added with tabs to the sides. Once the deck is attached and contoured the outside of the addition will be wrapped and inside will be glassed with tabs to bond the deck to the hull and make the new section strong.

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Cut down template designed on computer and placed to confirm cut down line. "measure twice cut once" my first boss told me all the time.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]536834[/ATTACH]

like seeing the process! explains a lot...i need pictures...words are confusing. thanks skate!

Hey Sam, Looks great. Was just curious how much you actually cut down the sides on the bow at the tip. Looked to be about 6 to 8 inches in some pics I've seen of mine and others. Helps with my visual of what is coming to me on my rig. Thanx, Steve.

Hey Sam
I will be here for a week ! pm me your digits I can try an break free for dinner