Bravo 1 transom plate question

[dev6315]

I know you have to pull the engine to replace the interior side of the transom plate. However, if I can get to the mounting bolts, can I replace the exterior side of the transom plate without pulling the engine?
It is corroded and I am replacing the entire outdrive, as I found a great donor. For peace of mind and other obvious reasons, I would like to replace the exterior plate with everything else. The interior side is in like new condition. Any thoughts and ideas would be great! Thanks

 

[garryowen]

no you will need to pull the motor. there are bolts that hold the exhaust y-pipe to the outer transom that cant be reached with the motor in place. the bottom transom mount nuts are also out of reach.as well as the steering lines and merc cathode wires at the bottom and under the exhaust y-pipe
the back of the motor sets on the inner transom. at best you would have to support all of this. but you still couldn't reach the above hardware.
this is a pic of outer off boat.

 

[dev6315]

Thanks for your info. I thought I could get lucky and switch it out without pulling the big block. I spoke with JR Marine today and I guess I am going to go with one of his cover plates for the transom unit to replace the gimbal ring.
I will strip the transom plate and repaint it on the boat. Again, thanks for the insight.