Will my 13-ft Boston Whaler keep the motor dry when it swamps (and other Qs)

Question

I've seen numerous web pages that claim that it will keep the power head dry, and some that even say you can leave the drain plug uninstalled (but I'm not sure if the latter applies to with-engine or not). 
One note: The transom has a 1/8" stainless plate installed (non-watertightly) on the inner surface, and the bolts attaching the motor pass through the plate. It looks like originally the center foot or so of the transom was made a few inches lower than the rest of it, but that's been built up to flush with a wooden spacer. The main motor support bracket, which I think normally would hook over the transom, is actually about 1.5 inches above the transom spacer. All this raising of the engine may just be a means of accommodating a longer shaft.
So, do you think my '72 13-foot Whaler with a '92 40 hp Force engine can survive a deluge? 
Also, can you guess what my mileage will be at economy cruise?
And, is 40 hp overkill for that boat, and can the motor break the transom, with the usual wave slap happening and being cantilevered up so far?
Many thanks for any info you can provide, especially experience-based.

Richard C · Accepted Answer

We were dealers for Boston Whailer in 1972, so I know your boat.  The transum was for a short shaft, an in those days the 40HP was the recommended motor.  I have personally been in the Cheasapeke Bay in a swamped 13 ft whaler with a 40 short shaft. in 5 to 7 ft swells.  The motor would not only start and run,(power head out of water), but it actually caused water to self bail over the transum, and then it drained through the drain hole until almost all of it was out.  I agree the spacer was to use the more common long shaft motor.  Height and bracket isn't as important as the depth of the drive (prop) and angle to the bottom of the boat.   I could run 3 - 4 hours on a 6 gal tank, but I wasn't full throttle much and not pulling skiers.  I hope his info helps. BOL

Anonymous · Answer

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RE:
Will my 13-ft Boston Whaler keep the motor dry when it swamps (and other Qs)
I've seen numerous web pages that claim that it will keep the power head dry, and some that even say you can leave the drain plug uninstalled (but I'm not sure if the latter applies to with-engine or not). 
One note: The transom has a 1/8" stainless plate installed (non-watertightly) on the inner...

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Kristina · Answer

Best check out the whaler if an old 1 as there foam filled and have issue with holding water inside the hull and making it quite heavy and performing terrible. They also have a trim built into the hull that makes it bow down when running. The 4 stroke is nice but very heavy for this small boat.With limited free board fair weather and little wind before venturing out. There are other V hulls that won't pound U to pieces for less $$.Have had most all.Take 1 out in a small chop and U will see the hard wet ride.

Will my 13-ft Boston Whaler keep the motor dry when it swamps (and other Qs)

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