Opening up the outboard well

[Dean]

Hi everyone

After several years of inboard pain which actually prevented me from sailing, the original sole inboard seized up and is out of the boat.
I've been researching all the feedback inboard v outboard, in well and transom etc, and have reached the decision to go for electric out board in the well.

I'm looking at the epropulsion electric navy 6 as it will suit my needs for on off mooring and down the Hawkesbury.
Electric is suiting my conscience and products are getting better.

The inboard prop seemed to always be in need of a scrape and so looking forward to be able to lift the outboard out after each use and it doesn't get growth.
Basically just get sailing again!

So the question is that the well in the cockpit is not open and has 2 drainage holes, so I'm going to get it opened up ready for the outboard to sit in.
Has any body else opened up the well? I'm thinking of taking it to Bobbin Head marina to get the work done.
So If any one has recommendations around the Hawkesbury.

I've got a Mk III.

It's taken me a long time of research and going back and forth between decisions, pros and cons of which one to go for so don't want to open that old chestnut up.
Or be persuaded and change my mind again!!

Thanks

[Shaun]

Good one Dean, it will be very interesting to hear how the electric outboard performs, with technology both battery and motor getting better all the time, definitely worth looking at now.
You can do the cut-out yourself, measure in from the vertical sides of the well about 25mm, drill each corner with a holesaw, then cut ( grinder, hand saw etc) a straight line to the outside of each hole, sand the cut edges. A 45 or 50mm piece of hardwood, even treated pine should do, through bolted through the forward facing flat vertical sections each side of the well to mount the timber, leaving enough room under for drainage. Fairly straightforward with the right tools.
Junkman moved the OB off the transom and into the well of my previous Top Hat.
Cheers

[Dean]

Hi Shaun

Thanks for the quick reply.
Ok that's interesting I was expecting to have to cut the hole and glass it to protect the newly exposed edges.
So just cutting out the hole is enough?

Sorry, I'm coming at this with no knowledge of the construction!
Is the board that's in place (that I need to cut out) just a temporary thing anyway so don't need to glass anything up?

[Shaun]

It's solid fibreglass there so no extra treatment after cutting hole is needed, (the existing holes are just drilled through!, ), you could use a small art brush to apply some epoxy around the cut edge if you like, but I don't think it's needed.
Not sure what you mean by "board"?, nothing temporary about it,
Cheers

[Phillip]

Don't throw away the piece you cut out !!!!!

By fiber-glassing a lip all around on the inside face of the cut out you will be able to drop it back in you ever have to.

[Dean]

Good thinking, thanks Phillip!!