Dumb question

[pugbro]

I am very new to this, but here is my question...I recently purchased a 14 ft jon boat at an estate auction for almost nothing. It is just a simple aluminum boat.The transom on the inside of the boat was rotted out which I repaired, however on the outside of the hull there was an additional piece of what appears to be 3/8 plywood, which was also rotted. This additional wood is approx 10 inches wide at the top of the transom and tapers down to approx 7 inches. This wood reaches from the top of the transom to the bottom of the boat...What is the purpose of this additional piece of wood on the outside of the boat? It appears that this wood came from the manuf. since it was held on with aluminum rivets.

 

[i386]

Re: Dumb question

There are no dumb questions here...

Pictures are always helpful but it sounds like it's there to keep the clamps from boogering up the aluminum.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Dumb question

yep. a lot of aluminum boats have a wooden plate to help distribute the forward pressure of the engine.

 

[pugbro]

Re: Dumb question

Thanks guys, I really appreciate that info...I already have the new wood cut, what do you suggest i use to seal that outside wood?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Dumb question

It's always been My belief that the Wood is so the motor clamp has some Bite,+ is less likely to Shift or Slide when stressed.........

Metal on Metal,... Especially when Wet,..... Can be Pretty Slippery.............

 

[fordsohc46]

Re: Dumb question

use treated plywood and wrap it two or three times with fiberglass roving
and epoxy resin. that's what i would do.

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: Dumb question

i have that same thing on my 14' simi-V. I had to replace it before. Mine was like only a square piece of ply though and verry thin. Eventually it fell off so all i did was get a new piece and place it between the boat and the motor clamp. I did not even secure it to the boat. The only thing that holds it on is the motor itself. The purpose of this piece of wood is to not bend up the aluminum and thats it. Ive had it like this for years with no problem. I would not go through the trouble of glassing it and all that crazy stuff. If it gets warped or rotten just get another piece and thats it.

 

[flashback]

Re: Dumb question

you might consider using some of the sheet plastic that is available in the home building industry. I made some hatch boards for my sail boat out of it several years ago and it still looks good....

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Dumb question

Just install it and be done with it. You could glass it and seal it, but why go through all that for a $1 piece of wood. It will last for a long time and you can always put another $1 piece of wood there ten years from now. This is assuming you will be keeping it at home and not leaving it in the water. Good luck..

 

[Robj]

Re: Dumb question

Look in your garage for some exterior enamel, or stain, use whatever you have laying around. I would not go through the hassle epoxy or glassing it. Plus if you do glass it, the motor clamp won't get a bite into the wood.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Dumb question

It's always been My belief that the Wood is so the motor clamp has some Bite,+ is less likely to Shift or Slide when stressed.........

Metal on Metal,... Especially when Wet,..... Can be Pretty Slippery.............

Not only that but it also keeps motor from chewing up and damaging the aluminum

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Dumb question

Just don't put treated lumber against your aluminum. The lumber will corrode the aluminum.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Dumb question

I used Seasoned Oak Then primed and painted two coats. Lasted about 15 years with an occasional paint.