Addition of motor mount to stern

[schlever]

Hi, I am wondering if I would be able to add a motor mount to the stern of my 8 foot fiberglass pram I'm restoring, or would it be able to withstand a 3hp engine on it without one. The previous owner used a electric trolling motor and a 7.5 hp.

I've included a picture of the boat.

[PAR]

I would glue a piece of 1/2" plywood to the transom, off center to port. This piece should be big enough to prevent the outboard's mounting bracket from having to touch the hull, maybe 9" x 12". Seal the plywood with three coats of neat epoxy, then bond it to the transom with thickened epoxy. Paint the same as the hull. 3 HP is more then enough engine for this little boat, a 7.5 is just wasting fuel.

[schlever]

Thanks Par, thats what I was kind of considering doing, but am new to all this and wanted to run it by some experienced people. I'm sure I'll have a lot more questions as this project continues on.