1977 Carver Santa Cruz 2566

[tomschauer]

Let me start by saying I am NOT a marine engineer, and I don't mean to discourage you, but, the 1977 vintage will have a plywood core in the transom. The top of the gunwales will have a 3/4 or 1" wood core with significantly heavy glass to hold the boat together. I would think cutting the gunwales would significantly reduce the lateral strength of a boat that wasn't designed to be off shore to begin with.
I assume you are diving off shore in SC?

[Diver Tom]

tomschauer, Yes, I'll be diving Coastal to near offshore in SC. Coastal Waters extend 25 Miles out, there are a few dive sites out to 50 miles. So I will be doing all my dives from those limits.

[Viper]

Welcome aboard Tom.

I suppose anything can be done if structural and safe handling concerns are addressed but that model would not have been the design of choice for that application IMO. Sounds like you're already committed so it may be a moot point but consider that the retrofit will also change the designed USE of the vessel and limit your market if and when you ever decide to sell her.

Cutting the transom is doable if done right. Remember there is a sterndrive hanging off the back that puts a lot of additional stress on the transom while underway. Adding a swim platform and the type of use you're considering will increase that stress as well. If the structural integrity is compromised, it could have dire consequences. I trust you had a survey and the transom checked out with no red flags? The transom on a sterndrive application of that vintage is always a concern to begin with, if there are issues, you'll need to get those assessed and addressed first.

Might be different in your jurisdiction but likely still applicable for insurance; are you licensed to use her as a passenger/commercial vessel?

Good luck with your project.

[ColRon]

Welcome aboard Tom, Good luck on your project.

[Diver Tom]

Thanks for all the warm welcomes. I am going to move my post to projects board. I did speak with an engineer and have decided not to cut the transom. Looking at a side ladder with a carolina rig.

[sdsurf]

If you are getting rid of the seats, I may be interested

[sdsurf]

I am looking for those seats. Do you have a photo?