Bulkhead and flotation back in. Thank you Ray and Jim P. I had to raise the Merc 400 1 1/4" to get the cavitaion plate even with the bottom of the Rocket.

Seat cushions back from my girl Janie. Control bracket and controls installed. Inching closer.

Nice. I have those same windshield end brackets. Like finding gold it was.

What a score!

60+ year old Taylor Made windshield with original rubber and corners installed. I found NOS pack of external deck angles at a boat shop in the Adirondacks last year I used. Stern light on too. (I love old hardware)

I found that raising the motor didn't increase the top speed all that much, plus I felt like the motor wouldn't be as secure on the transom if it is raised with a piece of wood as a spacer, so I didn't raise mine. I just didn't feel like I was getting enough benefit from raising the motor. I suppose if you bolted the motor through the transom it would be plenty secure but I wouldn't go to that much trouble unless it made a bigger improvement. 

I would like to hear if there is something else to consider. 

It is surprising how many of the vintage motors have longer than 15" transom height lengths, the mid fifties Evinrude's and Johnsons also have long midsections, nearly 17" if I remember correctly.
All of the Vagabonds and Rockets I have worked on had 15" transoms, I wonder if that was just Feather Crafts policy or if other boat builders from that era had 15" transoms?

oldlure wrote:

I know many raise the transom height, is that not needed for a Rocket?

I did indeed have to raise the Merc 400 1 1/4" to get the cavitation plate even with the bottom of the Rocket   

 

JR,  just name it  "Lil Charlie"......

 

 Little boat has to have a big name!