Repowering a 2003 208 adventure

[Newbie111]

I'm repowering my 2003 adventure. What shaft length should I get. Having trouble measuring from the drain plug to the transom. Can't tell if it's a 20in or 25in

 

[Mustang65fbk]

25" per the brochure...

https://gradywhite.blob.core.windows.net/media/21320/2003.pdf

 

[PointedRose]

Can you measure the existing motor?

edit - this is how to measure

https://boatbuildercentral.com/support-tutorials/Tutorials/outboard-shaft-lengths-and-transoms.pdf

 

[seasick]

The shaft length would be 25 inches. The old motor should have a model number tag on the bracket . The second letter of the model's last four letters is the shaft length. An X means 25 inch

 

[Newbie111]

Hey guys thank you for the help. The hull Vin and motor Vin

 

[seasick]

What I said applies to Yamaha motors, not Hondas.

 

[Newbie111]

Thank you seasick. You seem to know alot about gradys. Any idea on replacing the aluminum cap on the transom?

 

[seasick]

Thank you seasick. You seem to know alot about gradys. Any idea on replacing the aluminum cap on the transom?

First you need to ask two questions: Is there an existing immediate issue and secondly if not is there a potential for near term issue to develop. For example, is the existing cap corroding in a fashion that water would seep under it and potentially wet the coring. In the first case, is water getting into the coring and if so to what extent is the coring 'damaged'.
If the transom is dry and the cap has minimal erosion around the edges, the best maintenance plan is to remove old sealant and re caulk with something like Life Caulk.
Removing the cap is somewhat of a big deal since the motor has to be unbolted and lifted up to get to the plate for removal.
I am not a fan of glassing over the transom top edge. Epoxy is brittle and transoms flex especially if some local delamination has occurred.
If a cap (bang plate as others call it) needs replacement, I suggest aluminum and not stainless. An aluminum engine bracket on an aluminum cap plate is a better combo in my eyes to aluminum on stainless.

In summary, check your cap and transom for serious issues and act accordingly. That said, don't create a bigger job than necessary if at all. In the transom case an ounce of prevention is worth a lot more than a pound of cure

 

[seasick]

After reading my response, I don't think I really answered your question

 

[Recoil Rob]

Re-powering is the time to do it, when the engine is off.

My boat is a 2004 180, the bang cap only covered the back edge of the transom. I had it removed, the seam between hull and liner cleaned out and glassed over and then the new plastic bang cap installed. I was lucky, no water intrusion to transom.