Fill in Outboard cutout on O'Day 23 ?

[Ready2Sail]

My 70's 23' O'Day has a cutout in the stern for an outboard motor. This area is rotted and a concern for the integrity of the entire boat. I have finally located someone to repair this fiberglass work and he suggested that I might want to fill the entire area in and attach a motor mount. I like this idea because previously the motor would hit my rudder sometimes and this would fix that problem. I think I've seen other do this. I would appreciate some input from anyone that has done this, seen it done or has suggestions on why or why not to do this. Also, how do you run the fuel line to the motor and other issues involved in the implementation of this change? Thanks for any input.

 

[LANCE ON CLOUD NINE]

The later model 23's have a hole in the transom for the fuel line and any wires to pass thru. You could probably incorporate that hole in the "fill-in" of your old cut out. The add on motor brackets put some extra stress, (through leverage) on the boat. You would want to make sure the area where the motor bracket bolts on was beefy and had a decent inner backing plate. Good luck in your project.