Have a 17 foot aluminum and wanting input

[huntergreg]

I have a 17 foot sportsman blue fin. Boat is in good condition on the aluminum but all the wood is pretty much rotten. I want to make this boat a tiller steer but am thinking the transom isn't going to work. It is set up for remote steer. How Long is a tiller handle on an outboard 50hp and bigger?  Do they vary much in length?     What would you guys do if you were converting this boat into a tiller steer??? I like having the open floor more than the windshield and remote steer. The first pic is what it looked like before I took it apart. (not my boat but this is someone else pic of there boat). All the rest of the pics are after I tore mine apart.

[huntergreg]

pics after demo

[huntergreg]

more

[MtnMuley]

You should be fine with a tiller handle on a 50 or bigger.  You can easily add an extension.

[kbyers]

Are you willing to do any cutting and welding?

[huntergreg]

Are you willing to do any cutting and welding?

The pan just in front of the transom will come out easy.(all screwed on) The only thing I am worried about is when you have a motor on it water comes over the transom and drains out the weep holes on the bottom of it. That is why they have that tub looking thing so water doesn't come in the boat. . If I cut it back to much and make it smaller I don't think the motor will trim up all the way. 

[kbyers]

I would drop the bottom of the pan a little lower, and then shorten the distance it comes off the transom.  That way you will still be able to trim the motor up all the way and still have the protection of any water that may splash over.  Plus it will almost be like a transom box.  Maybe you could even integrate a hot tub and cutting board.  I don't know what kind of fishing you usually do but those two items are very nice to have for salmon/steelhead fishing.