Pelican 10e - Bass Raider Transom Reinforcement

[loomison]

Hello all. New to site but wanted to join to share my 10e modifications as it has been VERY difficult for me to find any definitive information on these things for what I am doing/trying to do. To start, I put a 2.5 Yamaha OB on it but did not get near enough push for my taste. Minimal to no transom flex using the 2.5 Yamaha. Well, sold that and upgraded to a 6hp Suzuki. First trip out, got that transom to almost 45 degrees at WOT.

 

Now, I am getting my Sheet Metal Fabrication shop to make a transom reinforcement that should be bullet proof. Fingers crossed. Anyone out there have success with a similar build/modification?

Will let everyone know when it is done. Will also update the speed test, once the boat can handle the 6hp.

[J Francho]

There's probably a good reason there isn't much out there: injury lawsuits.  You're better served getting a boat with a USCG rating for a bigger motor.

[@reelChris]

If you're set on a plastic boat - the sun dolphin pro 120 is rated up to 10hp.  https://sundolphin.com/pro-120/

[loomison]

J Francho, I agree 100%. I am not condoning a higher rated motor nor promoting it by any means. This build is strictly to reinforce the transom. I personally am choosing to bump up the HP but am/will be the only one in the boat at all times.

 

Was just looking for any input on the Transom Modification. Apologize if my story was not more to the point.

 

Happy fishing all!

[MN Fisher]

14 minutes ago, loomison said:

J Francho, I agree 100%. I am not condoning a higher rated motor nor promoting it by any means. This build is strictly to reinforce the transom. I personally am choosing to bump up the HP but am/will be the only one in the boat at all times.

 

Was just looking for any input on the Transom Modification. Apologize if my story was not more to the point.

 

Happy fishing all!

Problem is - if you get pulled over by the water patrol and the motor on your boat exceeds the USGC tag...you can be fined as well as other punishments. Removing the tag doesn't help as you'll get fined for not having it on the boat.

[MN Fisher]

Ya - I just looked up your current boat. Max rated to 3.5HP. Put a 6HP on there and you're just looking for trouble.

[loomison]

OK, Just read the below directly from FL FWC website...

 

"No person may operate a monohull boat of less than 20 feet in length while exceeding the maximum weight, persons, or horsepower capacity as displayed on the manufacturer's capacity plate."

 

That is all the information listed on the State website. A Pelican 10e is not a Monohull boat.

 

The USCG information on this is listed below, directly from their website...

 

Under the U.S. Coast Guard Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971, monohull boats less than 20 feet, and built after October 31, 1972 must have a capacity label affixed. This is the responsibility of the manufacturer. Kayaks, sailboats, inflatables, and canoes are exempt from this requirement. While Federal Regulations do not prohibit the boat operator from exceeding these capacities, state law may prohibit it. Check with your state’s boating authority.

 

Just looking for feedback on transom modifications. Not trying to debate HP regulations.

 

Happy fishing.

[MN Fisher]

14 minutes ago, loomison said:

A Pelican 10e is not a Monohull boat.

Ummm

 

https://www.lexico.com/definition/monohull

monohull

Pronunciation /ˈmɒnə(ʊ)hʌl/

Translate monohull into Spanish

noun

A boat with only one hull, as opposed to a catamaran or multihull.

 

@A-Jay - as a retired USCG veteran...can you enlighten us?

[J Francho]

My last boat had the coveted "Unlimited" designation for HP on the plaque.

[loomison]

Thanks for the definition. ? 

 

Unlimited, awesome!

 

https://www.nauticexpo.com/prod/pelican-international/product-22943-212999.html

 

Link  to site offering the Pelican 10e as a catamaran.

 

Tadaaa.....

[Marc Hufnagel]

19 hours ago, loomison said:

Thanks for the definition. ? 

 

Unlimited, awesome!

 

https://www.nauticexpo.com/prod/pelican-international/product-22943-212999.html

 

Link  to site offering the Pelican 10e as a catamaran.

 

Tadaaa.....

  It seems as though you are trying to do something with a 650.00 boat that it was never meant or intended to, have a motor almost double the design strength.   

[loomison]

Marc,

 

Thanks for the insight! Although, some may say you are just stating the obvious.

 

The point of the Transom reinforcement is to make the boat stable and capable of handling the additional power, without damage to the hull. I guess this point (The title of the post...) has become lost as everyone who has commented so far are just focused on why NOT to do the modification.

 

Would still love to hear from anyone with any success in transom reinforcement, regardless of motor size.

 

Happy Fishing!

[DomQ]

4 hours ago, loomison said:

everyone who has commented so far are just focused on why NOT to do the modification.

Yup, so you know... you don't get in trouble or worse. No one here is going to tell you its a good idea if thats what you are looking for man. I know everyone likes a big rear end but sometimes it can really get you in a lot of trouble. ?

[J Francho]

I think it's a good idea, but only if there's video of the maiden voyage. 

[Guitarfish]

If it's ok with your Mom, it's OK with me.

 

Enjoy yourself.

[loomison]

 

[@reelChris]

I can't really tell from the video, but I assume you posted it because you installed the planned transom sleeve and larger motor. 

 

While the transom may not flex any more, you can't fight physics.  I'm not an engineer, but I think that all you have accomplished is a shift of the flex point to the next weakest structure, which is probably the plastic deck.   

[Rocketvapor]

I have a 10 foot Bass Raider with a 3.5HP 4 cycle. 

Loaded with two people and some gear the transom would flex to the point that oil would move into the cylinder and the motor would lug and smoke.  Usually into a little head wind.  Would have to slow and wait for the smoking to let up. I adjusted the angle up and it still flexed and smoked. 

I think the transom has a wood filler made from a 2X8 tapered at each end.

As far as physics go a longer lever arm to share torque between the 2X8 inside the rear transom and plastic along the sides should reduce flex.  Worked for me. 

Sort of the same as using a breaker bar for lug nuts.  The longer the lever the less torque felt at the end.  Added about 7 pounds to the boat. Used 1/4x20 Slotted Body Rivet Nuts and stainless machine screws. 

Performed a pull test (rope from prop centerline through tunnel to winch and digital scale.  Video of 30,60,90,120, and 150 pound pull, much more than 3.5HP thrust, showed very little flex.  I would like to move up to the 4/5/6 HP, just because it has a real reverse :). 

 

[Nickf]

Thanks for posting your ideas and modifications. I’m very curious how things went, we’re you ever able to gather test results, are there any pictures of the completed project…?