How do I tell if Transom is bad?

[clarkw]

Howdy again,

I'm a newb with a 1987 Alumacraft Lunker 16 SS. I have owned the boat since new, and it has been sitting for the last 15 years. I am in the process of removing the decking and all interior wood and carpet prior to replacement. I used to have a 20 hp Merc on the boat, and have just removed it. I will be replacing it with a 1989 Merc Classic 50 (45 hp 2 cyl). The transom "seems" ok, but after reading some of the threads here, I want to make sure that I don't have the motor tear the transom off the first time I put it in the water.

Let me add, I don't want to do any un-necessary work, but want to end up with a sound, safe craft.

Thanks for taking time to read this, and thanks for any suggestions you may have.

ClarkW

 

[jonesg]

Re: How do I tell if Transom is bad?

I found out when I drilled 1/2 inch upper holes for a bigger outboard, the drill brought out black damp mush.

Then I drilled small pilot holes at the bottom to mount the fish finder and clear water came out. Its kinda obvious if you can get in there.

Next yr I might cut the top of the transom off and plant tomatoes, if I can get the seeds in early enough....

A shipwright went over it with a plastic mallet, he said tapping it only helps to find the extent once you've already detected moisture.
He says its not too bad, only almost reaches the bow..hehe