Help with cracked transom

[riden]

I have included links to pics of my transom. My plan is to do some work to the hull this spring and I need t do something to the transom as well.

Thses cracks were there when I bought the boat this spring and they are no bigger than when I bought it.

What do you think is the next step for me? What should I be looking for??

http://www.hunt101.com/img/438421.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/img/438422.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/img/438423.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/img/438424.jpg

 

[andy6374]

Re: Help with cracked transom

Unfortunately, those don't like stress cracks in the gelcoat. Transom is most like rotted (not uncommon for boats that are 15+ years old). The old core will need to be removed and new core and glass will be added.

 

[riden]

Re: Help with cracked transom

Fair enough

When I stick a knife in the cracks I don't feel rotten wood, I only feel hard wood and fibreglass.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Help with cracked transom

i wouldn't hang my engine on it.

 

[riden]

Re: Help with cracked transom

How much work and $$ do you think??

I am pretty handy and would like to try it myself.

How much of the transom do you have to replace? Just the piece around more the motor is seated??

I really struggle with the search engine on this site, or I would answer this myself.

 

[andy6374]

Re: Help with cracked transom

$$$ is highly dependent on the materials used, ie which resin (poly or epoxy), marine grade or exterior grade...ect.

I think you should go for it. Read as many threads about transom repair here as you can and then go for it.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Help with cracked transom

You can generally tell the extent of the rot by tapping the transon with a mallet or hammer. Good wood will sound solid. Bad wood will sound more like a thud. You can almost trace the extent of the rot with chalk just by the sound. You can then confirm by drilling small holes from the inside. Good wood will look like - - well - - good wood. Rotten wood will be soft, black in color and water may come out of the hole. There is no quick & easy fix to do the repair correctly as the bad wood has got to go. Rot is actually a fungus and will travel if not removed.

 

[neat]

Re: Help with cracked transom

Just replace entire transcom. Could be done in a day or two for under $300.

 

[andy6374]

Re: Help with cracked transom

Just replace entire transcom. Could be done in a day or two for under $300.

You've done just that?