How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

[1BadTitan]

...So take it easy on me.
This is my first boat, but not my first forum. I'm really a car nut, but with my newfound hobby, I'm now a boat nut too. I grew up around boats so it isnt all scribble to me. I recently aquirred a 14ft fiberglass v bottom. It seems solid all around. Transom seems to be in good shape and the boat is overall ok. I got it for free from a gentleman that brought his computer to me to clean for him. I do it for a living and for fun for friends. Since I would not accept his money, he knew I was looking for a boat to get my two sons out on the water with, he offered this to me for free. I dont know the brand. I do know it needs some work inside. The guy used bondo to repair some small imperfections inside, but was repaired for purpose without cosmetic consideration. You will see me here alot and asking alot of questions. I have a 3yr old and 5yr old son. They are both very excited to get this thing in the wet. My friends at work have pulled together to help make this a reality for me. A co worker sold me his recently refreshed 1977 mercury 20hp outboard and another guy has a galvanized trailer waiting for me that I'm picking up today. That just needs bearings refreshed and new lights. It had a 14' v hull on it already, so it should be set up. Now if I can just get this thing patched up, painted and some decking installed, I'll be good to go, but I may have some questions along the way... Please pardon my ignorance.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Hey Fellas, I'm New...

Re: Hey Fellas, I'm New...

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,....

Let's see some Pictures....

 

[Outback Jack]

Re: Hey Fellas, I'm New...

Re: Hey Fellas, I'm New...

Welcome to iboats my friend. There is alot of great advice on this forum and alot of experience to help you along the way. Post some pics when you get a chance as the Pro's like to see what you are working on. It helps them give you advice too.

Cheers

Jack

 

[1BadTitan]

Re: Hey Fellas, I'm New...

Re: Hey Fellas, I'm New...

I'll post some pics this afternoon after I get home... I'm at work now.

2 More...

 

[1BadTitan]

How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

I have a 14' fiberglass jon boat (v bottom)... The previous owner drilled holes here and there for hooks and misc other crap. It also has a small 4" crack in the inside fiberglass wall. It has no cap, Its almost like the wood was completely glassed over. If I look in the drain hole, the wood is black. So, I know there is rot, but I have no idea how to remove it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

Ayuh,... No reason for multiple threads 'bout the Same issue...

 

[1BadTitan]

Re: How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

Sorry about that... The first thread was my intro, the second thread I wanted to specify in the title what needs the most attention first.

 

[Bondo]

Re: How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

Sorry about that... The first thread was my intro, the second thread I wanted to specify in the title what needs the most attention first.

Ayuh,... No prob,... Now We're back to needin' pictures...

 

[1BadTitan]

Re: How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

Alright.... I cant take any until I get home from work. Havent begun this resto yet... Just picked it up on Wednesday. Picking the trailer up today. Will be posting pics tonight.

 

[1BadTitan]

Re: How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

OK, Pics are up top... Let me know. Its not much, but its mine... Keep in mind, I've had it for 3 days. The work will begin next week.

 

[zopperman]

Re: How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

Cut the top off of the trans. and go at the wood with a chainsaw, glass over the new transom when done. You could even remove the inner skin with a grinder and then make a new one, but if you're concerned about looks, it might get ugly.

 

[1BadTitan]

Re: How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

Are you serious? I thought there was a right way to do this, I had no idea that was it. I considered cutting the top off with a metabo. Clean cut. But I assumed the wood would lift right out.

 

[zopperman]

Re: How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

Are you serious? I thought there was a right way to do this, I had no idea that was it. I considered cutting the top off with a metabo. Clean cut. But I assumed the wood would lift right out.

not if it's rotted, it won't. I used a shopvac and a pry bar to get most of my transom out on my trihull.

 

[Outback Jack]

Re: How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

well the thing is you have to look at cost and how you want to do it...some have cut the tops off got all the old wood cleaned out then poured in seacast to fill the space left by the plywood. You don't go in there like a wild man with the chainsaw. Check out the seacast site. I don't think you will ever get it out in one piece. Most will cut the inner skin off and put a new piece of plywood in there with fiberglass. It is your call which way you go and there are lot's of opinions on which way to go. Most likely the pros will jump in soon and give you an idea which is the best solution.

Good luck

 

[1BadTitan]

Re: How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

well the thing is you have to look at cost and how you want to do it...some have cut the tops off got all the old wood cleaned out then poured in seacast to fill the space left by the plywood. You don't go in there like a wild man with the chainsaw. Check out the seacast site. I don't think you will ever get it out in one piece. Most will cut the inner skin off and put a new piece of plywood in there with fiberglass. It is your call which way you go and there are lot's of opinions on which way to go. Most likely the pros will jump in soon and give you an idea which is the best solution.

Good luck

Thanks man, that helps alot. Like I said before, this is my first boat. I need all the insight I can get. The seacast you speak of, that replaces the plywood? Would it be stronger or just an alternative?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

You are correct about the construction of your transom. It is just the wood glassed over and tabbed to the hull. There is no top cap. I would drill some core samples down low and see what you get. If it is wet and mushy then you will need to replace it. Take the core samples and then we'll discuss the rest.

 

[JDA1975]

Re: How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

and this is how I got mine out.....wet wood does not pry out easily. Sometimes you get lucky and catch it before its so rotted that you can pull it out in mostly one piece, other times, you just gotta pulverize it to get the pieces out any way you can

 

[1BadTitan]

Re: How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

Holy Crap!!! yours was full of mulch, LoL... I'll drill a sample and see what I have. If its not rotten, can I just fill the hole with resin and be ok?

 

[JDA1975]

Re: How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

it wasn't full of mulch, but where it had not yet rotted was wet, and wet ply wood is very hard to "tear" so prying it out made strings, so i ended up using a spade bit on the bottom 2-3" and turning it to mulch in order to pull it...basically just an example of "do what ya gotta" to get it out lol. drill your core from the inside and not all the way through, then fill with 3M 5200.

 

[1BadTitan]

Re: How do I get the wood outta the Transom?

Got it, thanks man. Got a trailer problem too now. Check that out in the trailer thread. Long story.