how cracked is too cracked?

[brussell]

My ole fishing boat got cleaned out the other day..after removing the leaves I noticed a crack on the transom..It is where the vertical part of the boat(just under the motor mounts meets the flat part..I did notice that I would take on some water after running it...the water would go over the back and seep through the crack...the back of the transom is fine, am I in for it down the road?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: how cracked is too cracked?

if water is getting into the crack, you are looking at replacing the rotted transom. drill a couple of small hose, 3/16-1/4 inch. dry wood looks new. wet is dark and crumbly. reseal the holes, with marine tex, or 3M 5200.

 

[DJ]

Re: how cracked is too cracked?

The problem with cracks is that they will get bigger unless you find out why they started and repair the cause. Anything else is a Band Aid.

Got a picture. That would be worth a thousand words.

 

[brussell]

Re: how cracked is too cracked?

pics

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: how cracked is too cracked?

Cracks like that are usually stress cracks. They happen when the transom weakens and flexes with age. You need to re-enforce the transom to resist the weight and thrust of the engine. Search other threads to determine the best way (for you) to do this. I prefer a piece of aluminum angle across the top of the transom for its full length and anchored to the sides of the hull. But everyone has their own opinion and way of doing it.

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: how cracked is too cracked?

I agree with the aluminum. If you look at my transom there is a large piece there and i can stand on my cav plate of my 115 with it tilted up and the tounge of the trailer will lift before the transom flexes any. Ill try to put i pic of it but you can see it on my shareaproject page somewhere also. The piece thats on my transom goes over the top part of the transom and all the way down the inside of the boat til the top bolts of the motor bracket inside the boat at the top of the transom. On the outside the metal runs about half way down the transom. Its solid as hell. The transom is new within a couple of years but its just there for extra support. I wish it was diamand plate or something though that would look a lot better. The 1st pic is without motor, 2nd is with motor back on and the transom swim ladder gone and some new paint.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: how cracked is too cracked?

that plate is a good example of a bandaid. they are usually added when the transom starts to go. of the owner overpowers a boat. you have a problem, that needs to be fixed. ignore it and one day the motor is going to go overboard, drop off on the interstate, or worse, jump in the boat with you.

 

[brussell]

Re: how cracked is too cracked?

thanks for all the info...not to totally change the subject but now that I've noticed it seems painting a boat isnt as big a deal as I thought...I have access to a sprayer what would be a good paint to use?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: how cracked is too cracked?

there are many good brands, the preparation is more important than the brand used.

 

[brussell]

Re: how cracked is too cracked?

Just sand it down and start sprraying?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: how cracked is too cracked?

lot of stuff here: http://forums.iboats.com/search.php?searchid=839997

 

[brussell]

Re: how cracked is too cracked?

thanks but the link failed.....

 

[DJ]

Re: how cracked is too cracked?

The crack appears to be between the transom and the splashwell. That is not uncommon if the transom starts to flex.

Aluminum boat transoms are backed up by wood. I suspect the wood is "going away". That is not hard to replace on an aluminum boat.

 

[brussell]

Re: how cracked is too cracked?

its fiberglass...should I sell it of trade it off?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: how cracked is too cracked?

sell it, trade it off, or repair it.

this one will work. http://forums.iboats.com/search.php?searchid=840864

also look at this: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=206019

 

[brussell]

Re: how cracked is too cracked?

that restored boat on the 2nd link looks awesome..I had thought about giving up on 2 boats.Get rid of the fishing boat and make my runabout a fisher...just need a trolling motor and maybe some custom seats.....but the ole Bomber drives really nice..