Advise on transom repair

[?boutoldboat]

I have a 1970 Larson w/ an 85 HP Johnson. (Fiberglass) There is a crack along the transom wall. Where the splash well and the transom come together. Right in front of/below where the motor mounts. I have had the boat a couple years and get a little water leaking down through into the hull. I would like to repair it if possible, but I don't know the proper way. If anyone has a little advise it would be appreciated. I have attached a pic, showing where it is. I will try to get a pic tonight of the actual crack.
Thanks for your time
?boutoldboat

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Advise on transom repair

If the fiberglass itself is cracking, then most likely you have other problems like rotted transom wood. I'd take a closer look and do some digging to find the reason for the crack.

 

[NoKlu]

Re: Advise on transom repair

Do a search on transom repair and you'll find lots of threads and all the info you need to get started.

 

[?boutoldboat]

Re: Advise on transom repair

The crack is in the fiberglass at base of splash well, looks like motor weight or something along that line caused it. It is in a fiber to fiber area. It doesn't look like there is a wood issue. The transom itself is solid. The crack was there when I bought the boat. (I know the purchase was a little dumb) But it didn't leak any when I bought it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Advise on transom repair

the transom has a wooden core, the cracked glass is a sign it is weak. if not it will be soon. take a 1/4 inch drill bit, and drill a couple of holes from inside, you will know if you get wet or dry wood. i bet 99% you have wet wood core, which means rot is there. that crack is already showing you could loose your motor overboard. this is my favorite tutorial. http://recaffeinated.net/skankybeast/page1.html

 

[?boutoldboat]

Re: Advise on transom repair

thanks tashasdaddy,
I read the link and found it very informational and a little frightening. In all truth I currently have the boat for sale because I bought a new one. (the boat in question doesn't meet my needs anymore) But I wanted to fix it before it sold, if I could. The only thing is I wanted to fix it and not just cover it up. Or if it was an extensive fix, then at least be able to pass the info on to a potential buyer. Maybe I would just be better off selling the motor and trailer and dumping the boat.
Thanks

 

[j_martin]

Re: Advise on transom repair

This is what it would take. Another way would be to take the cap off the boat and gut the transom from the inside, put a one or two piece plywood transom in, and fiberglass it all back together. Don't cut the outside skin for any reason no matter what.


My wet transom in a bass boat.
http://forums.screamandfly.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159482

hope it helps
John