cracked transom on MAKO 195

[pancakes]

hey all,
i just picked up a 2000 MAKO 195 DC and noticed(a little too late) a 3.5" long crack on the very top right edge of the transom. this is the only spot on the transom that has any sign of defect and i was wondering if anybody can give me, first a prognosis on the severity of my problem and second, what my best course of action might be. can i spot fix this type of fracture? or do i need to pull the engine and get into something more extensive? from what i can tell, the entire transom is VERY solid. i tapped around with a mallet and it all sounds dense, like poured concrete. what can't be seen from the photo is that there is very slight bulge below the crack about 3 inches wide and long. is this possibly a manufacturer defect? or did somebody drive this boat home with the motor down, skeg sparking the entire way? there are plenty of signs of this being a party boat so the latter would not surprise me. any advice is greatly appreciated. thanks.

 

[tonyg11780]

Re: cracked transom on MAKO 195

Well, I worked for Tracker, who makes mako...for several years. I have seen that on several boats, and not just Mako. It looks like just a crack in the fiberglass, where it was put under stress. I would make sure the boat isnt overpowered and if not, take it to a fiberglass/gelcoat specialist. If you have the knowledge to tackle it, go for it. If your not 100% sure you can get it right, I would take it to someone. Mako makes a great boat and if it were me I would hate to have something that didnt look right cosmetically. You know what your capable of, and thats not a bad repair. However, with the bubble you were speaking of, I would have to take it to someone who can properly check it out.

TONY

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: cracked transom on MAKO 195

the bubble would bother me, and how far back under the trim does the crack go. that can't be seen. time for more investigation.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: cracked transom on MAKO 195

If not overpowered, that crack resembles a stress crack from transporting long distances with the motor tilted and no transom saver. Though the motor is locked in position, the subtle see-saw effect of the motor balanced on top of the transom will cause those. Get a pro to check it though as I am not.

 

[oops!]

Re: cracked transom on MAKO 195

the crack fan be fixed just like you would fix with any glass repair....

grind out the area anf fill with marine tex...

but the bubble..... as mentioned......needs investigation

 

[jmburock]

Re: cracked transom on MAKO 195

Looks like a fairly simple repair where the crack is visible. Marine Tex is certainly one solution, and a simple one at that in that the White MarineTex should match the color of the gel coat. I couldn't visualize the "bubble". I have seen a lot of boats with a crack at that very same spot. It should have minimal effect on the strength of the transom. Certainly not a deal breaker of a crack.