17' Alum. Sylvan splashpan/transom separation

[USAmike]

I am thinking about purchasing a 1997 aluminum Sylvan 1700 deep V fishing boat. When standing in the boat and looking at the seam where the transom meets the splash pan, there is a 3/8's inch separation gap. (3/8's in the center, tapering to no gap where the seam meets the port and starboard aluminum sides of the boat. The owner has a 4stroke Honda 90HP (Heavy) and a small 6hp kicker mounted on the transom.
MY QUESTIONS:
Is this normal for an aluminum boat?
Is the transom failling?

Thanks for any suggestion/comments.
Mike

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 17' Alum. Sylvan splashpan/transom separation

it ain't right, it has either a bad refit, or is failing. think you need to check hp capacity plate. i think it has too much motor weight.

 

[Clyde59]

Re: 17' Alum. Sylvan splashpan/transom separation

I have a 1978 18' sylvan with the exact problem. On mine the transom wood is partially rotten in places. I am going to replace the transom wood in a week or so. that should fix it.

all it seems to take is plywood epoxy and a lot of labor.

by the way, my boat is powered by a 1973 evinrude 135 hp starflite.

Thanks for the post.

 

[halas]

Re: 17' Alum. Sylvan splashpan/transom separation

Need a new transom for sure.