transom cutting

[thunderstruck]

hey guys

i don't know if this is the right threat to post this but i am hoping it is

after a long wait i finally received my tunnel.

it has had a fare few holes drilled in the transom over the years but it still feels solid

i need to cut it down about 4" to suit the mid and i was wondering what is the best tool to cut it with while its still in the boat .
its built from plywood and is almost 3" thick

cheers
thunderstruck

[sheuninck]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvAI7-Qa2Io

[MN1]

I took a look at the photos on your blog. The first thing I would do is sand the paint off the front of the transom. I can see a line that runs across the transom at the cockpit side height. This may indicate that the transom was added to for a taller motor. ie 12" to a 15" which it looks like it is now. With that big trim hole in there, I would cut it all out and put in a new one for a short mid that you want to use. Looks like cutting 4" comes too close to the trim cylinder cut out.
Some people put big *** aluminum plate over the transom but I wouldn't.
Let me know what's under that paint.
Mark N

[thunderstruck]

i will sand the paint off today and take a pic
this is wht i was thinking of doing
http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae213/vo100thunderstruck/transom1.jpg
http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae213/vo100thunderstruck/transom2.jpg
http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae213/vo100thunderstruck/transom3.jpg
i would then drill and glue the pins in and lay some glass over the whole thing

[MN1]

That looks like it could work as long as your mounting bolts are in the original transom.
3 inches thick is a lot. Most transoms are 2". It could be this way because of adding to the height or someone wanted to get more setback.
Mark N