Hi. I've just replaced the transom for a 22 ft. cruiser and will be
mounting a 1989 Johnson 130 hp outboard motor on it. I don't have
access to the motor for a few more weeks, so I can't take measurements
off it, but need to make the transom cutout this weekend. I have all
the dimensions, including the cutout width which is 33". Of course
height and depth are dictated by the motor shaft and tilt.

I want to go as narrow as possible on the width yet still have enough
clearance to swing the motor hard over each side. I've seen cutouts
that can't have a width of more than 24" sporting 200 hp outboards on
them. It seems very feasible that I can go much narrower than the
33".

There's still a motorwell and such for any water that ships through
the transom notch, but keeping the opening width as narrow as possible
is a top priority.

Can anyone recommend a minimum width for the transom cutout for this
motor?

Thanks,
Syl