Modified transom issue

findrivr · 12 February 2012, 07:36

Hi everyone; new here but otherwise a longtime RIB user.

Considering purchase of a 2002 Caribe C12.

One major concern before commiting to purchase: the seller has modified the transom by cutting a 1" [2.5 cm] deep by about 6 to 8" [16 to 20 cm] wide section, centered across the top of the transom.

Not sure why exactly he did this, since the boat specifies a short shaft application which is what it now has installed. Apparently, at one time it had a shorter shaft outboard [if that's possible], but since then he has manufactured and installed a 3 or 4mm thich stainless 'L' shaped plate that bridges the cut out across the entire top of the transom. Overall, the modification looks rigid enough and the cut out section is sealed, finished and otherwise looks well done- not a 'hack' job.

My concern, whether substantial or not, is if the transoms' rigidity has been compromised to an unrepairable extent, that may not be yet observable.
The seller did start the outboard while the boat was on its trailer and it didn't exhibit any unusual or erratic transom movement or vibration.

Otherwise, the boat appears in good to exceptional condition, given its 9 or 10 year age and is very fairly priced [$2k]. It has been stored in a garage when not in use, which explains its greta condition.
If it weren't for the transom modification, I would have bought it on the spot.
What are your thoughts.
Thanks for taking the time.
PJ.

Rokraider · 14 February 2012, 19:43

Any pictures?

findrivr · 16 February 2012, 19:05

Hope these tell the story.
He made a few stainless steel attachements : on the right is a mount for a pump intake for a portable live bait well he uses.
On the left is a trolling motor mount also of stainless.

Also, I mistated in the first message: the fabricated stainless 'bridge' doesn't actually span over the top of the transom. And b/c it can't be actually viewed [w/o removing the existing outboard], it's hard to tell how good a job of sealing the exposed portion of the transom cut-away got.

All told, there are about a dozen extra holes in the transom, which, if I purchased, I'd remove the ss accessory mounts and fill and seal w/West System. Also the transom top would have to be restored as I have a short shaft Yam 2 stroke [his outboard is also short shaft] and either I build a rigid SS bridge for it or attempt to refab the solid laminate.

I'm thinking of staying away from altogether, since for about $500 more I could probably find a specimen that is 'un-modified' and get right to boating versus 'fixing'.
On the other hand, there are some pluses: I have an almost new Yam 15hp, so I would sell the Mariner.
Since I would keep the boat on a Jet Dock in the harbor, don't need the trailer, which could also be sold. [btw: he mod-ed the trailer too; kind of funky as well.]
I like Caribes; this would be my third and never had an issue w/used ones before- they're very stout- this one weighs 195 lbs empty.
In the end, the hypalon is excellent, the rest of the hull is intact and it's been kept in a garage when not out in the ocean.
Also, this size is hard to come by around here, since its about max size to store on foredecks of sloops and sportfishers, cruisers etc.
More 10 footers and less, or 14 and greater.

Thoughts?

findrivr · 16 February 2012, 19:12

Hope these tell the story.
He made a few stainless steel attachements : on the right is a mount for a pump intake for a portable live bait well he uses.
On the left is a trolling motor mount also of stainless.

Also, I mistated in the first message: the fabricated stainless 'bridge' doesn't actually span over the top of the transom. And b/c it can't be actually viewed [w/o removing the existing outboard], it's hard to tell how good a job of sealing the exposed portion of the transom cut-away got.

All told, there are about a dozen extra holes in the transom, which, if I purchased, I'd remove the ss accessory mounts and fill and seal w/West System. Also the transom top would have to be restored as I have a short shaft Yam 2 stroke [his outboard is also short shaft] and either I build a rigid SS bridge for it or attempt to refab the solid laminate.

I'm thinking of staying away from altogether, since for about $500 more I could probably find a specimen that is 'un-modified' and get right to boating versus 'fixing'.
On the other hand, there are some pluses: I have an almost new Yam 15hp, so I would sell the Mariner.
Since I would keep the boat on a Jet Dock in the harbor, don't need the trailer, which could also be sold. [btw: he mod-ed the trailer too; kind of funky as well.]
I like Caribes; this would be my third and never had an issue w/used ones before- they're very stout- this one weighs 195 lbs empty.
In the end, the hypalon is excellent, the rest of the hull is intact and it's been kept in a garage when not out in the ocean.
Also, this size is hard to come by around here, since its about max size to store on foredecks of sloops and sportfishers, cruisers etc.
More 10 footers and less, or 14 and greater.

Thoughts?

cgoing · 16 February 2012, 19:22

That engine is sitting way too low. Not sure why they would have wanted to drop the motor lower than the factory lowest height.

findrivr · 18 February 2012, 03:14

Sorry about that double post.
Yes, I agree, his outboard is too low. Not sure and didn't ask. Too bad b/c otherwise it would be a perfect specimen other than it's 12 yrs old.
But again, these Caribes are very well made- not uncommon to see 15 yr old boats still in use.
Anyway, it's not an absolute necessity, but I was looking for a bit more room for wife and I. Here' our current rig and it's a blast anyway.