I just bought a 2001 Lowe 1436 jon boat with a 6hp Evinrude. I was looking it over and realized there is no wood piece across the transom and the motor is just clamped right to the transom. Just wondering if I should be cutting a piece and bolting it on there or just leave as is. Planning on doing a paint job and Jon boat to bass boat conversion. 

Why?  ?

1 hour ago, Chris244 said:

I just bought a 2001 Lowe 1436 jon boat with a 6hp Evinrude. I was looking it over and realized there is no wood piece across the transom and the motor is just clamped right to the transom. Just wondering if I should be cutting a piece and bolting it on there or just leave as is. Planning on doing a paint job and Jon boat to bass boat conversion. 

Only reason I can think of is to keep the clamps from dinging/scratching the transom. I don't see any harm in sticking a 1/4 inch piece of plywood under the clamps. Just check tightness every outing; they can loosen as the wood expands and shrinks. A leash on the motor would be a bad idea. Enjoy your boat! I had a 1448 jon and loved it. For bass boat conversion just watch the added weight.

 

First & foremost I never rely on the clamps to hold my outboard on the transom!

 

Seen to many outboards come loose & some even fall off.

 

I bolt mine though the transom