How's my transom?

[nola mike]

Just pulled my engine, and am trying to determine if my transom is rotted or if I'm good to go with the engine swap. I drilled a bunch of 1/2" holes, and really can't figure out what I'm looking at. The wood is consistent at every hole (even at the top). The transom feels solid and looks solid from the outside. It isn't wet, but it's darkish. Trying to probe the holes, and it isn't disintegrating on me. Not sure how to proceed at this point...
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[nola mike]

As I'm looking at this, I just realized that I used a 1/2" spade bit, which is probably going to shred any shavings, right?

 

[appleo]

Most transom rot from top down. water gets under the transom cap. seeps downward

pop the top and check there. or check the engine mount holes

weak transoms often detectable simply by pushing down on lower unit of engine when tilted up

 

[nola mike]

This is an i/o...

 

[sphelps]

It's making shavings so I don't think the spade bit is a problem .. It does just from the pics looks a little damp .
Try putting some shavings on a paper towel or some TP .. You might pick up some moister that way ..
I dont know much about i/o but I think around the key hole is a problem spot for water intrusion ...
Hopefully some better eyes than mine will chime in ..

 

[jbcurt00]

Most transom rot from top down. water gets under the transom cap. seeps downward....

Most?

Some is more accurate, as are thru/mounting holes for every/any thing attached to the transom as is water getting to the foam/stringers first then wicking up the transom

nola mike thise shavings also look dark, anpther bad sign.

Good luck.....

 

[nola mike]

I tried a few more holes with a regular spiral bit and the shavings had more substance. One of them is directly below the keyhole cutout, near the plug. That should be a prime place for rot. I was concerned about the color as well. I went slowly this time, and the dark stuff is right next to the glass, don't know if that has anything to do with it. Shavings don't seem wet, and the dark stuff still has substance, not mushy. Stringers are definitely good. At this point I'm leaning towards patching it up and putting the new engine in unless there is more investigation that I can do...As it is, my transom is swiss cheesed pretty good.

Below keyhole:


Starboard, low:


Stringer:

 

[JASinIL2006]

Those look fine to me. Not as light as new, fast-grow species of pine, but I don’t see signs of mold or rot. If the paper towel test reveals no moisture in the shavings, I would think you’re in luck.