Catalina 27 open transon

[PizzaBuoy]

Hey yall,
I sail a Catalina 27 with an open transom that fits my Honda 9.9 outboard out the back with controls in the cockpit.
Although there is a drain (and two drilled drains as well) I dislike this design and am planning to fill the transom, install an outboard bracket and utilize the said controls. Anyone ever see this style and anyone you know ever fiberglass the transon shut and use a bracket instead?
I plan to do this because when following seas swell the transom never fully drains. Also, don't like the idea of a hole in the back of my boat anymore! But more importantly I am not able to tilt the engine as there is not enough clearance.
Thanks
David sailing Pizza Buoy
Portland Maine

[The Garbone]

On ours we cut the top of the cutout a bit to allow our 9.9 to tilt up. If you are worried about the back stay you could go to a split setup. I really liked the setup and with the motor up the hole was pretty much filled by the motor. I would think the odds of swamping the motor would be greater with the external bracket.

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