Quote Originally Posted by W2F a V-King View Post
The deck on the 2 Checkmates (early 70's 15' and a 16') I restored came off and went back on pretty easy. Mentioning this because if your replacing the core and floor, the transom is a good idea to do now vs later. Adding a set back lift bracket will add some stress to the transom, and if it's old and wood, it could need doing even if you don't see cracks...yet....

Lifting the deck opens up the boat and makes all repairs easier to do. Doing the transom now with composites and literally tying the transom to the deck and floor/stringers makes it a very strong, never rotting repair. Once and done, and "If" you ever want to repower with more...NO worries, it will be ready for whatever you hang on it.

Document all your work and "If" you ever sell it, this will help sell it for sure.
jmo..
Thanks for gud info. After hrs of reading and examining mine, I know mine needs it all and I have decided to lift deck off, will have roughly 8in set back and modded 2.5 200,