CONTINUOUSWAVE

I plan to re-power a 1971 NAUSET 16 with a newer engine. The bottom holes on the transom bracket of the new engine don't line up [with the existing holes in the transom from the old engine mounting position].

I hesitate to drill blindly into the transom. I believe the holes would puncture below the splash well inside the transom, and there would be no way to get a bolt on from the inside.

Is a jack plate a better idea?

Thanks- Eric

See my answer in the FAQ.

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/FAQ/#Q8

Older boats like a 16-footer will be sensitive to transom weight. Consider the new engine will itself weigh more than the original engine, and adding more weight with a jack plate could create additional problems from too much transom weight.