Switzercraft SS170 transom rebuild

[outasite]

This was original,although it never did see much use.I could tell it has never been apart.It does need a little reengineering,to be considered safe with a V6.So far a lot easier than most.

[Tom Smyth]

Hi used to rig and test new switzers back in the 70's. I never saw a set up like that. They built a damn good quality boat for the day.

[FMP]

Knees?

[Capt.Insane-o]

I've seen better transoms in a Hydrostream!

[Robby321]

I doubt that is the original transom from switzer.

I'm pretty sure it is as know Bob and Dave back then and the years of the SS17's, then the GL 20. Neighbor had one 200 Rude. Soon Bobby, Carol and the dog came up our channel with the new GL21, new 235 Rude. Seems every year was a progression build the more available HP coming out. And also design/strength was diff ever one out the mold. And like Harley Davidson, many design changes were constant during any production, same year. They didn't make cookie cutter same, next year diff. JMHO

But on that LOST HAT!. Cracking me up as with the low pressure zone, cockpit, sucked every thing forward! One day me, GF front 2 friends facing rear sitting floor (rarely had the side by side seats in it, weight) and going WOT, Gordy had his foot on the fixed Fire Ex and instant "I'm in a cloud of white". Thought torched (again) the XS, and off the foot. We still laugh about it to the day!

Also damn good thing there WAS some steel back there, as without? Would have deep sixed the motor and transom and glad ya saw the.."this aint right". Lotta work there, but the dedication? Wish the best!

[Robby321]

Hi used to rig and test new switzers back in the 70's. I never saw a set up like that. They built a damn good quality boat for the day.

Sure did!

[outasite]

After thinking about how this was put together,it seems that the way it was assembled was done to save time,The top deck is not bonded in any way to the transom.It is pulled up tite against the transom,but that's it.The deck shows no sign of any resin or attempt to bond it to the wood.I would guess that there was a lot of experimenting going on with builds,as it was a very competitive market about that time.

[tunnels]

Tunnels,current power is 260.That is coming off and a fresh 280 is going on.Going to change a few things that I can see that will help greatly.Biggest problem is the thickness is fixed by the splash well @ just over 1 1/2"

With that kind of hp solid glass is definitely the way to go and never have to worry ever again !!Its looks pretty small to be hanging that kind of hp on the back and if its mounted on a bracket the leverage and twist is pretty scary ! you'd need to tie the splash well firmly and securely even Add a couple of steel knees !!
The twisting action will be horrendous across the whole transom ! But it has some shape sort of !!

[outasite]

Thanks for your input,I have some Hydrotec marine plywood here from the last build.The new transom will be three pieces 3/8-3/4-3/8 with mat between 23 ply vs original 10. I'm going to extend it out to the last stringer and ad knees there.Will be keeping the original metal reinforcements as well.The fiberglass work on this boat is top notch,looks to be a hand laid up hull.I see no chopped glass anywhere. The real strength is in the motor well.Its to bad they did not take advantage of it.Ill be adding a backer to the front side and tying the upper mount bolts straight through to it.I have two goals,A good bond and total encapsulation. What's your favorite tool for removing gelcote in tite places? My die grinder seems to small and to fast to run a flap wheel and my five inch grinder can't get into most of the places I need to clean out.Im going to try the die grinder with a vary coarse wire wheel today.

[W2F a V-King]

Interesting design back in the stern/transom area. It's almost the opposite of the V-King. The "wings" either side of the transom shift forward on the V-King, and to the rear on the Switzer.

Yes....you got off easy the way the deck lifted off...Good for You!!

[roadkill636]

Sure wish i had that trolley hoist setup in my shop

[outasite]

Interesting design back in the stern/transom area. It's almost the opposite of the V-King. The "wings" either side of the transom shift forward on the V-King, and to the rear on the Switzer.

Yes....you got off easy the way the deck lifted off...Good for You!!

Ya I know what you mean.I can almost see a little Allison from the 70s look in the rear.

[Robby321]

Ya I know what you mean.I can almost see a little Allison from the 70s look in the rear.

Damn RIGHT! Had a 13 Ally back then before the Swit. Also what year is the Swit? I had the "football cutout" on my 74. Also have ya tried a Multitool with a one inch blade to dig out the Gelcoat? Pix what needed would help, as "been there, done that" Pic the Ally..(damn I traveled in "style")

[outasite]

Ya those old Ally's had class!!! The new ones ain't to shabby neather My Swit is a 76 with the big cutout. I did get the first of three transom panels in today,will get one more at least tomorrow.Pics to follow.
Thats quite a wagon train in your pic! Looks like your leaving town.Is that a Montl?

[Robby321]

Ya those old Ally's had class!!! The new ones ain't to shabby neather My Swit is a 76 with the big cutout. I did get the first of three transom panels in today,will get one more at least tomorrow.Pics to follow.
Thats quite a wagon train in your pic! Looks like your leaving town.Is that a Montl?

74 Monte. Going up a week friends in Wisconsin. I always went "prepared"! Beers, broads, boats and bikes! All ya need in life right?

Seal up good the Switzer and its good for ANOTHER 40 + years! Get'er done and slap the bigger motor on and then? NEED A VID!