1996 Quantum 190 XFS Port Side transom flex / Need Advice

[dneedham]

We have owned this Quantum fish and ski boat for about 4 years now. I was recently watching some video of us pulling the kids on a tube when I noticed what looked like the engine flexing down when the boat was under acceleration and at speed. I had never seen this before and thought for a few minutes maybe it was something to do with the tilt/trim. However after putting weight on the engine I have discovered that the transom is flexing on the port side. The starboard side is rock solid, but with my 220 lb frame putting weight on the engine, the top of the port side transom will flex 1/4 inch or so. Under power I am sure it is flexing more.

We have thoroughly enjoyed this boat and had planned on keeping it for a long time. My limited understanding of repairing this issue is that the 2 halves of the boat will need to be separated so access/repair of the transom can be done. Is this a fair guess. This will be beyond my capabilities to do, so a boat repair shop would be doing the work. Would it be a fair guestimate that this is a $3000+ type of repair?

Any guidance would be appreciated.

 

[Woodonglass]

For sure it needs to be replaced. More than likely if the transom has issues, when you do the tear down to get to the transom you'll find more issues below the deck, i.e. Stringers and Bulkheads. We have Thousands of examples of transom repairs here on the forum. They have ALL been done by people just like you that had NO previous experience before, but with the help of the members here, they've done some extremely fine work. If you have a place to work on her and the sticktoitiveness you can "Git er Dun!!!" If you're lucky enuf to only need the transom replaced your cost would be somewhere in the $500 dollar range and 20-30 hours of work. IF you pay someone to do it $2-3k is about right. Are there any soft spots in your floor/deck? Has she always been under cover in the off season? Are there unsealed holes or openings in the transom where water could be penetrating to the wood core? Posting some Pix of the transom both inside and out would greatly help us to help you.

 

[dneedham]

For sure it needs to be replaced. More than likely if the transom has issues, when you do the tear down to get to the transom you'll find more issues below the deck, i.e. Stringers and Bulkheads. We have Thousands of examples of transom repairs here on the forum. They have ALL been done by people just like you that had NO previous experience before, but with the help of the members here, they've done some extremely fine work. If you have a place to work on her and the sticktoitiveness you can "Git er Dun!!!" If you're lucky enuf to only need the transom replaced your cost would be somewhere in the $500 dollar range and 20-30 hours of work. IF you pay someone to do it $2-3k is about right. Are there any soft spots in your floor/deck? Has she always been under cover in the off season? Are there unsealed holes or openings in the transom where water could be penetrating to the wood core? Posting some Pix of the transom both inside and out would greatly help us to help you.

Thanks for the quick response. I will get some pictures posted ASAP. My biggest issue is lack of space to do the work. I think I could tackle it myself, but don't have garage space to do it in. I haven't noticed any other soft spots in the floor or deck, but who knows. I have always had a cover on it, but I don't think the previous owner did. The upholstery was trashed when we got it. That was the first $1000 we spent on the boat. The acronym B.O.A.T. works well, "break out another thousand" I will post pictures later today or tomorrow. Thanks again for the support.

 

[dneedham]

I will take more pictures, these didn't come out as good as I thought. Water intrusion appears to be from the splash well drains. The transom is wet behind the drains. I have removed them for now. The wood didn't appear to be falling apart underneath, so maybe, I can dry it out and stave off a full replacement for a while. I am also thinking of replacing the upper transom support that is inboard with a much longer and wider plate. Aluminum alloy isn't too expensive, so I will probably pursue that route. I removed the port side upper motor mount bolt and the wood appears dry there. I am sure the correct fix is to replace the transom. I will follow up with how drying the wood progresses. Also, sorry, she is kind of dirty in the back right now. I will get some wider angle shots this afternoon.

 

[Woodonglass]

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