skiff rebuild/modification

[gofshn]

Had aquired this Harkers Island modified Southern Skimmer skiff on trade last summer and will be modifying her and giving her a freshen up by removing the inboard engne, glassing up the floor, beefing up the transom, adddng a jack plate, as well as a center console, t-top and leaning post from a 2007 model boat power will be a Mercury 115 hp outboard. She is 24 ft and almost 80 inches wide. So here are some pics of her current state. My idea/plan is to have graphics for the sides made with Cartoon animated Red Drum with a shrimp in cowboy hat and six shooters holding the reigns on a saddle like the old cartoon with the shrimp riding the sea horses and dressed up the same. Hence the name Red Ryder.

[billschwabe]

The 115 Merc will be more than enough power for that hull but that tunnel may cause cavitation problems in turns. It looks fine for the inboard but an outboard will swing more from side to side as it pivots. Couldn't see from the pics but if it doesn't have one now, add a small well at the transom for the bilge pump. That deck will not be self-bailing with an outboard on the transom. Good luck and have fun!
Bill

[gofshn]

scuppers are going to be gone, small well with sloped in cut into rear to allow bilge pump for pump out.

[gottaflylee]

I have a 21' that is self bailing, I would leave the scuppers and add the well. Nice to have more than 1 way to get out water when you need to, should be a great boat for you Brian, I love my 21...

[billschwabe]

I have a 21' that is self bailing, I would leave the scuppers and add the well. Nice to have more than 1 way to get out water when you need to, should be a great boat for you Brian, I love my 21...

What motor do you have on your 21 or is it one of the last model Skimmers with foam cored decks and stringers? I have a DF115 Suzuki and the deck level plugs are right on the waterline at rest, walk to the rear and you get wet tootsies without. It's an '05 with plywood below but it has been that way since day one. I'd definitely leave deck-level plugs in for when (not if) the bilge pump craps out or you take one over the bow.

That's the Southern Skimmer building in the background, or at least where they used to be.
Oh yeah, the DF140 for my new skiff just arrived yesterday, getting closer!
Bill

[gottaflylee]

Mine was built in 04-05 I think, I have a 90 Honda and a 5' setback jack plate on it. Since the jack plate I keep the plugs it is when fishing but just sitting with no one in it, plugs out and no water in. I use the black rubber scupper covers as the ping pong ball noise drives me crazy and on my boat is high enough that the rattling spook the Drum in the skinny water. When I re-power, it will be with a 115 Suzuki I think.