how strong must the transom be?

[Josh9685]

Hi,<br />I have an old jet boat, a 75 Wriedt Spoiler 19 footer.<br /><br />A marine mechanic told me that on these old jets that the transoms only purpose is to run the exhaust through and provide a mounting surface for the jet drive hull adapter plate(Berkely unit) He said that the engine puts no load on the transom at all, and in fact told me not to worry that my transom was completley rotted out. He basically advised me not to replace it. <br />He claimed that all the engine load is put on the stringers(which don't run the the full length of the boat)<br />The jet drive runs through the transom, but it is not supported by the the transom. it mounts to the floor of the hull and connects to the engine. <br /><br />so, what is the truth? I have heard that the transom is an integeral part of the hull. this guy says that it doesent matter.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: how strong must the transom be?

Give it a try and let us know how it went or better yet.....<br />"this guy says that it doesent matter"<br />let him take it out and prove it. Have him hammer the throttle from a standing start and see what happens. Don't forget the camera <br />Seriously, if the transom was "completely rotted" I wouldn't even put it in the water let alone drive it. If the transom is shot, chances are that the stringers are as well. After all, water does run down hill. Don't take anyone with you on the maiden voyage just incase.

 

[EZLoader]

Re: how strong must the transom be?

I agree with RodC. Do you really want to risk being on the water with a rotted out transom just because one person says its ok? I can just imagine you running far offshore when the back end of your boat cracks open. The sudden rush of cold, cool water should feel real good as you frantically look for your life jackets.<br /><br />Water and dry rot spores spread quickly in warm, moist environments. Does the wood in your transom touch your stringers in any way?

 

[Josh9685]

Re: how strong must the transom be?

I sided with you guys, I have already removed most of the old transom.<br /><br />the only link beetween the transom and stringers is fiberglass that bonds them together around the perimeter of the stringers. there is probably about a half CM gap beetween the 2 pieces on the inside of the glass encapsulment. I know that parts of the stringers are rotted because there are a couple holes where some bolts used to be, and inside there I can get a small screwdriver about an inch or so into the wood.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: how strong must the transom be?

He is correct that your transom does not see the load that an outboard equiped transom does, but you still want it as strong as possible. If you pull skiers off of the transom eyes, or tow a disabled boat (I tow at least two a year), that rotted transom would not be good. Also, the transom is part of the total structure of the boat, and helps to keep flexing and twisting to a minimum. Good luck...