This client approached us to add some custom modifications to his 20ft hull. All work was done using epoxy, plywood and E-glass reinforcement. He was considering buying an alloy engine pod and bolting to the transom however after we suggested doing the pod in composite and re-designing the entire aft end of the hull, he could see the merits in doing it this way. A major advantage is that the pod is integrally incorporated into the structure with the pod sides bonded to the hull stringers. The inherent strength is substantial and best of all there are no bolts that cause point loading and potential leaks leading to dry-rot. Another advantage is that the bottom surface of the pod aligns with the hull adding planing surface as well as buoyancy. Space is also gained inside the boat because the engine is now outside of the boat. We cut the wet-well out and replaced this space with large lockers but this could be utilized for bait wells, batteries etc.
The work comprised of the new engine pod with corner decks, modification to back of hull, new wet-deck with in-built fuel tank and under-floor lockers, and a new custom full head-height half cabin.