1974 196 Rebuild Complete, Rigging Advice/Suggestions Please

[burntsalt]

My 196 is finally finished and I need some advice with rigging and setup.
Photo prior to rebuild:


Rebuild Complete:








Starting with the motor and mounting: Is 115hp sufficient? How much set-back do I need with the closed transom, and what is the best mounting height with a 20" vs 25" shaft? Jack-plate vs. porta bracket? (I don't want a full bracket).

Livewell/Leaning-post and console: I like the Hammerhead style livewell/leaning-post, but is this too much weight for this hull? What is the best size console and do you like the idea of console bench seat or cooler seat?

Tower or no tower...This is a big debate I keep having with myself. I have a nice 1/2 tower, but I don't want to overload the boat (the deck was not raised). I've had mixed opinions and I'm needing more input please.

This thread will remain active as rigging progresses and I'm very grateful for all your advice and suggestions.

[GoneFission]

Looks great!  See feedback below:
Starting with the motor and mounting: Is 115hp sufficient?  - Yes, but you will be much happier with 140-150. 

How much set-back do I need with the closed transom, and what is the best mounting height with a 20" vs 25" shaft? Go with a 25" motor, not a 20" - se the height (if you don't use an adjustable bracket) to where the anti-ventilcation plate is just above the hull bottom.  Jack-plate vs. porta bracket? (I don't want a full bracket).

Livewell/Leaning-post and console: I like the Hammerhead style livewell/leaning-post, but is this too much weight for this hull? What is the best size console and do you like the idea of console bench seat or cooler seat?  - Preference would be livewell/leaning post with about a 20-30 gal capacity - the weight is in the water, so don't go too big.  Or go with leaning post with space under for a nice cooler that might double as a baitwell.

Tower or no tower...This is a big debate I keep having with myself. I have a nice 1/2 tower, but I don't want to overload the boat (the deck was not raised). I've had mixed opinions and I'm needing more input please. - Some folks love towers - but I prefer a t-top and a regular console.  The OEM console actually works pretty well with the seat in front.  - but put a rail and windshield on it. 

This thread will remain active as rigging progresses and I'm very grateful for all your advice and suggestions.  - Good luck!

[RickK]

 
A 196 needs more than a 115. You would be disappointed.

[Capt. Bob]

Here's some light reading:

https://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=14845.msg145729#msg145729

https://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=14783.msg145160#msg145160

https://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=14766.msg144967#msg144967

https://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=14210.msg140920#msg140920

https://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=13989.msg139278#msg139278

Please note, these are for info, not trying to swing you toward a bracket/platform. Hopefully you can get some insight into your re-power needs and go from there. BA's 19-6 is one standard we use  here but there are others (different models) that utilize a "jack plate" setup with great success.

Good luck.

[wingnut]

Just curious, what did you use for your transom core (material and thickness, etc.)? That may partially dictate what you're able to hang on it.

[Mwar410]

So has anyone got away with a jack plate on a full transom? I’ve been reading these posts (quite a few) and never really got the final answer on it. 

[burntsalt]

Just curious, what did you use for your transom core (material and thickness, etc.)? That may partially dictate what you're able to hang on it.

Thanks for the responses, looks like I'll be looking for a 140/150hp.

The transom is cored with wood, two 1.5" pieces.

[burntsalt]

So has anyone got away with a jack plate on a full transom? I’ve been reading these posts (quite a few) and never really got the final answer on it.

I see the benefits others are talking about with the bracket, but it's just not the setup I'm going for. I hate to experiment with a $1400-1500 jack-plate, but I'm thinking Bob's 12" setback would work pretty well.

[Mwar410]

That’s what I have for mine. I was hoping for a definitive answer before I put the new transom in. I know of a local Capt running that setup on the his new T-craft, but he had a porta lift on his 222.

[FL.flatback]

I did a 10in Bob's with mine. I'm pretty sure I could have done without the cut down in the center without the steering hitting. But the rigging tube would have been a issue.

[burntsalt]

I did a 10in Bob's with mine. I'm pretty sure I could have done without the cut down in the center without the steering hitting. But the rigging tube would have been a issue.

Are you able to fully tilt the motor out of the water without hitting the transom?

[FL.flatback]

Yes I can tilt it completely out of the water.
Not sure if can do it with the plate in the lowest position. I'll have to re-check that. It's not the cowling that is the issue for me it's binding the rigging tube.

[RickK]

Burnt, can we assume you have hydraulic steering? I have a 6" setback electric JP and seastar steering. My transom is notched and I still had to modify the connection points for my steering on the cylinder so that they wouldn't get snapped off when I tilted the motor forward all the way. I had to get 2" spacers and also added the power pole mounting plate (1/2") to get to 8 1/2" of set back for the steering cylinder to clear the transom.  Something to think about.

[burntsalt]

Burnt, can we assume you have hydraulic steering? I have a 6" setback electric JP and seastar steering. My transom is notched and I still had to modify the connection points for my steering on the cylinder so that they wouldn't get snapped off when I tilted the motor forward all the way. I had to get 2" spacers and also added the power pole mounting plate (1/2") to get to 8 1/2" of set back for the steering cylinder to clear the transom.  Something to think about.

Correct, this boat will have SeaStar Hydraulics. The more I hear from people and think about this its seeming like the best way to go is to put it on a Porta Bracket. Bob's Machine JP's go to a 14" setback, but even at that I'm a bit concerned 

[burntsalt]

I've decided against the classic leaning post/center console. A local fabricator just took measurements for a small tower and should be finished in a couple weeks. The design isn't completely finalized so if anyone has any suggestions regarding design or accessories please chime in!

We are going off this design. 38" width, 60" length and 20" platform height. The idea was to create a comfy cockpit while increasing storage space. We'll be able to get plenty of baskets and 5gal buckets to slide right underneath.

Any ideas for livewell placement?
This photo is from FloridaTTop.com