engine on center stringer

[Water Rat]

I have a '78 23' Sceptre. When I repowered with a 7.4 Bravo 1, the shop doing the installation had the same issue. They did what has been suggested here, cut-down the center stringer by way of the oil pan and now, 1700 hours later, no issues.

One thing I would strongly recommend is heavily coating the oil pan with some type of epoxy or other coating to prevent corrosion, especially if it is a stamped steel pan. Because it sits so low in the hull, it will be constantly splashed with whatever water finds it's way into the bilge - then thanks to engine heat, creates it's own saltwater bath. I tend to go through oil pans at the rate of one every 3-4 years.

Last, please post pictures - would love to see your installation.
Good luck.

[Wags23]

Hey Water Rat I'm the guy with the cc " Blondy" in Scituate Harbor. Hopefully see you out there,really nice sceptre you got there.

[Water Rat]

Wags, thanks for the kind words - your cc is not too shabby either. My daughter loves the name of your boat and points it out every time she sees you guys (can you guess the color of her hair?).