Thinking about modding my 10' West Marine Folding Rib

[Squalls Deep]

I have a West Marine 10' folding RIB dinghy with a Mercury standard shaft 4hp motor, and it often (airation/cavitation/ventilation?) when cutting through chop and a variety of other circumstances. I think it might be smart to cut the transom down a bit so the prop sits deeper in the water.

The transom seems too high for a standard shaft and too short for the long shaft. Has anyone else had this issue?

Before I start doing surgery on this thing, does anyone have any other thoughts?

JC!

[bensolomon]

I have the same dinghy. If you do what you are thinking, you may flood the dinghy inadvertently during deceleration or in a chop.

[Squalls Deep]

Originally Posted by bensolomon

I have the same dinghy. If you do what you are thinking, you may flood the dinghy inadvertently during deceleration or in a chop.

Sounds like fun! I'll keep a bilge pump in the boat for when I get too rowdy.

[Squalls Deep]

Handled it. Dropping 1.625”, the motor sits nicely in the water and never cavitates! Now to do the 4-6hp carb/ prop swap...

[bensolomon]

Don't forget to upgrade the prop, too. You'll want a metal one if you don't already have one.