N27 with an Open Transom?

[russ1302]

has anyone seen Newport 27's with an open transom like in this picture?


Was this a factory feature or modification?

I use an outboard and it seems like it would make my life easier if I could get to it tru the transom instead of over it.

[Faster]

I believe that cutout was the originally intended outboard mounting position. I've seen inboard versions with a dropboard in that cutout as an access point.

From the pic it would appear that they hung a ladder below the gap.

[russ1302]

I'm considering doing this to my boat when I haul it out in the spring for a complete paint job and service. I was thinking about only cutting it 2/3 of the way down to the cockpit floor and making the section removable like a companion way door 2 bolt latches to secure it. I had already planned on reinforcing the transom with an additional layer of glass, ribbing and wood where the outboard mounts to eliminate the flex when the outboard is running hard. If anyone else has done this, I would appreciate their advice.

Thanks
Russ