foxcraft/soft deck transom rot?

[keithinil]

Hi to all, I'm new to this fourm as well as boat restoration. I just picked up a 1989 foxcraft bass boat that has been setting up for about 3 years. it has a water stain up about 1/2 of the inside of the boat which looks like it was sitting with water in it with the front up so I know the water had to be most of the way up on the inside of transom. The decking in the bottom of the boat is soft for sure but my question is whats the best way to tell if the transom also has rott without cutting a hole in it to see. Thanks for any replies and I'm sure there will be many more questions to come. P.S. I hope to be able to post some pix as well

 

[mudmagnet63]

Re: foxcraft/soft deck transom rot?

Try tapping on the transom ( 3/4" ) wrench or something similar be gentle now. Tap! if it's rotten you will hear a definate change in the sound rotted will sound hollow

 

[OhWellcraft]

Re: foxcraft/soft deck transom rot?

Can you get to the inside of the transom? if so you can drill a few holes top middle and bottom. Use a 1/4" drill bit and only go in about 3/4" of an inch. Put tape or a stop collar on the bit to control depth. Observe closely the shavings that come out if they are dry and yellow might be okay if they are dark and moist probably something going on inside there. Also do as advised above and tap all around from the outside listen for differences in sound pop is good thud is bad. Only problem with tapping is if the entire transom is shot it will all sound the same and might lead you believe that all is well when in fact it is not. While you are down in there look at any thing that goes through the transom like motor mounting bolts see if they are sunk into the fiberglass at all also look for brown stains around your drain plug area, even take an ice pick and see if you can push it in from the inside. If you end up drilling holes and all is well patch them back up with some marine tex and enjoy your boat. If the transom is shot there is more than enough info here to guide you through the whole job if you decide to go that route.