can you inspect transom to ensure wood isnt rotted?

exnavyman123

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 17, 2010
Messages
123
I was just wondering is there anyway you can inspect a boats transom for wood rot to eliminate a future disaster without doing damage to it?

Thanks.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,331
Re: can you inspect transom to ensure wood isnt rotted?

You can "tap" it out. They inspected mine with a moisture meter as well
 

exnavyman123

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 17, 2010
Messages
123
Re: can you inspect transom to ensure wood isnt rotted?

Thanks dingbat, but how exactly do you tap it out? and where?
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: can you inspect transom to ensure wood isnt rotted?

1/4" drill bit approx 1-1/2 " deep on the inside and look at the shavings ..

Dark mushy stuff = no good
Dry white(ish) stuff = good
Wet white(ish) stuff = wet transom but no rot ( still safe to use )
Drill hole seeping water = 90% chance of full blown stringer/deck/trans resto :( .

Fix by filling hole with 3m 5200

Moisture meters .. hmm.. Ill bet 10 bucks right now your going to show elevated readings ( most all used boats do ). Does not mean your trans is gone.

You can do a core sample with a 1" hole saw but your going to have to glass patch any core samples you make ( there is a sticky up top on how to repair core samples in the " how to " thread ) ;) .

YD.
 

exnavyman123

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 17, 2010
Messages
123
Re: can you inspect transom to ensure wood isnt rotted?

ok,thanks bubba, is 4 or 5 % the norm meaning no problems? And to do the test do i just drill out holes like 1/2 " diam and test like the bottom , mid height and top areas ?
 

exnavyman123

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 17, 2010
Messages
123
Re: can you inspect transom to ensure wood isnt rotted?

ok thanks alot yacht doctor i'll try that, and drill from the inside correct? I have a 1988 Winner Chameleon, i don't know what these "stringers" are i'm reading about, i think the only wood on the boat is in the transom, i could be wrong though ......
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: can you inspect transom to ensure wood isnt rotted?

ok thanks alot yacht doctor i'll try that, and drill from the inside correct? I have a 1988 Winner Chameleon, i don't know what these "stringers" are i'm reading about, i think the only wood on the boat is in the transom, i could be wrong though ......

Stringers are your boat's "floor joists". They are probably wood.
 
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