Another question on transom repair

[countryboy26047]

Ok, here goes... I just recently acquired a 16' SeaStar Capri tri-hull w/merc 850 85hp. outboard. While out on the boat last weekend, when running about 25mph. going over the very outer edges of a barge's wake (maybe 1 - 1/2') I noticed that my outboard was sort of 'bouncing' ever so slightly, so little in fact that my wife had a hard time noticing it even after I pointed it out.. So anyhow, after having the fear-of-God instilled about transom rot from reading various posts here, I decided to check it out... did core samples all over the inside, shavings were dark, but dry..ok, cool.... However, when I did the sound test, there was a noticeable difference in sound right around the drain plug and lower mounting bolts of O\B.. Now, while I'm fairly sure that the transom is not rotted, me being the worrier that I am, I'm still considering replacing the inner core...

Now to the main questions... If I decide to do this, is it possible to just replace the center section of the transom, top to bottom and just in between the spots where the cut-out for the splash well is (see pic), but leave the ends of the current core? Also, is it possible to do this from the inside so as to not have to re-glass the outside of the transom? I realize I'll have to reglass the inside regardless, but it's not visible so doesn't have to be as perfect a finish...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Another question on transom repair

You always replace from the inside. Never cut the glass on the outside. If you can yank up and down on the lower leg of the motor and not get any flex in the transom...NONE then you don't need to replace it. If you get even just a little bit, then you need to replace it top to bottom and side to side. I don't see partial replacements ever recommnded here on the forum. The transom is one of the most crucial elements of your boat and must be sound and totally one piece. Based on your pic you will prolly need to remove the top cap of the boat or at the very least cut the splash well off just in front of the gunwales to gain access to the transom as well as remove a portion of the deck.

 

[countryboy26047]

Re: Another question on transom repair

You always replace from the inside. Never cut the glass on the outside. If you can yank up and down on the lower leg of the motor and not get any flex in the transom...NONE then you don't need to replace it. If you get even just a little bit, then you need to replace it top to bottom and side to side. I don't see partial replacements ever recommnded here on the forum. The transom is one of the most crucial elements of your boat and must be sound and totally one piece. Based on your pic you will prolly need to remove the top cap of the boat or at the very least cut the splash well off just in front of the gunwales to gain access to the transom as well as remove a portion of the deck.

Uggh.... Thanks for the response woodonglass, not quite what I wanted to hear although I did expect it... With the engine down like it is in the pic, I was 'jerking' on the skeg but couldn't do it hard enough to see it flex, however, unless my eyes were playing tricks on me the other day, it did appear as though the top of the transom was flexing just a tiny bit when going through that wake... By nature I'm a worrier, so naturally my mind may have 'over-exagherated' the slight bounce of the power-head, into my eyes seeing the transom flexing...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Another question on transom repair

Lift the motor to it's highest position and lock it in place. Then bouce on it with some force. If the transom flexes even slightly then... You know the rest of the story.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Another question on transom repair

if the transom to motor bolts are loose there a good sign that you have a problem

 

[countryboy26047]

Re: Another question on transom repair

Ok,so, if I DO decide to replace the transom (would be a winter project as all my 'tests' seem to indicate it's not rotted, but I know if I don't, I'll always have that little bit of doubt), how the heck would I remove the top cap, and how hard is it to do by yourself? I would think that after replacing the transom and putting the cap back would be opening it up to even more problems in the joint between the cap and hull?... Also Woodonglass, you mentioned cutting the splash well off?? First of all, how/where would I actually do the cutting, secondly, how would I put it back together if I just cut it out? Sorry for all the questions that may seem stupid but this will be a huge under-taking for me as I've never done this sort of work before..

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Another question on transom repair

Removing the top cap is really pretty easy. The rubber insert of the rub rail is easily removed. You then remove the rivets or screws holding the metal rubrail onto the boat AND this also hold the top cap to the hull. There may be some resin holding the cap to the hull in a few places but a flexible blade on a sawzall will take care of that. There's lots of examples here on the forum with pics and text to teach you all you will need to know. If you decide to cut the splash then a sawzall does that to. You would then ReGlass it back when done. Not to hard to do. You could do it either way but removing the top cap is preferable.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Another question on transom repair

I decided to check it out... did core samples all over the inside, shavings were dark, but dry..ok, cool.... However, when I did the sound test, there was a noticeable difference in sound right around the drain plug and lower mounting bolts of O\B.. Now, while I'm fairly sure that the transom is not rotted, me being the worrier that I am, I'm still considering replacing the inner core...

Sounds like a rotted out trans to me..or delaminated fiberglass.

Clean and wet is better then dark and dry any day of the week.

There should be no sounding difference in your transom.

Here is a simple test.. take your motor off and inspect your wood in the bolt holes. Take your drain plug out ( probably needs to be rebeded anyways ) and inspect the wood at that location too. ( poke around with a small screwdriver or icepic in the wood )

Your splashwell is probably bonded to your transom.. so removing the deck might be a PITA.

Lets do a little inspection before speculation first though.. Take some pics

YD.

 

[countryboy26047]

Re: Another question on transom repair

I just figured the shavings were dark from something they used when building the transom... Over-sight from someone whos never messed with a transom lol. I will try and get some pics tonight after work and put em up. Thanks guys, and I'm sure you all will be reading the words "Question" and "Thanks" a LOT from me lol