Idiotic Transom Tragedy

[wmbreck]

Re: Idiotic Transom Tragedy

My mind is still racing over all that has been said here and it will be a long winter wondering what to do come summer with my temporary 'fix'

But Scoutabout said above: "One other recommendation is to tie (or lock) your outboard transom clamps together so they can't vibrate loose over time." The patch goes just about to each one. Is he saying to stretch a strong cable or strap over the patch and tightly attach it on both ends to the clamps? If so, what extra safeguard would that give. Are they not part of the transom? Seems like a decent idea but I'm not sure why. Thanks!

 

[erwinner]

Re: Idiotic Transom Tragedy

I think he's just saying to point the ends of the clamps towards each other so you can put a lock between them, preventing them from loosening. Mine do when they're not locked.
But I would second the idea of finding a sound hull without a motor and swapping over. You mention the transom was flexing before the accident so it's probably rotten underneath the fiberglass and patch. Even if the entire thing doesn't come flying off, it could crack at a corner or another stress point and start taking on water quickly.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Idiotic Transom Tragedy

I think it's funny how some people wouldn't imagine towing without transom straps or the great unthinkable putting a larger motor on a boat than recommended, but they sure won't think twice about sticking a plate, be it wood or metal on a broken transom.

I'm sorry friend but your boat is broken!

I'm not gonna go on and on about what could go wrong. You can imagine it. There is only two cures- pass it on to someone who will fix it and find another hull or fix it.

 

[wmbreck]

Re: Idiotic Transom Tragedy

For what it's worth, here is a youtube of the 'post-patch' beast.
Staying close to shore for all who feel the 'repair' it is the mistake of a lifetime
Also last ride without a life jacket and maybe a dingy?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i70nyuPy0g&feature=related

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Idiotic Transom Tragedy

You were probably lucky it broke before you got it in the water, as you said it was in bad shape before you put the jackplate on. If it was as flimsy from rot as you hinted, then the added stress of a jackplate may been the last straw. It still isn't fixed, you've only bolted a good piece of wood to a rotten week sructure, the bolts can still pull through from the inside and leave your motor in the water.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Idiotic Transom Tragedy

That's a very creative fix and despite what other's say, I think it'll last a good long while. If you don't mind looking at it then leave it. Good job at keeping an old boat out for another season.

 

[BonairII]

Re: Idiotic Transom Tragedy

I would look for another boat. You might find a decent boat with a bad or missing motor anywhere from $300 and up.

If you're happy with your repair then just enjoy your boat.

If not, I'd suggest just selling it all(since you fell like your underpowered anyway) and starting over. Tons of boat/motor combos out there for very reasonable money.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Idiotic Transom Tragedy

Your temperary fix looks like it will do the job for now. Thats a nice old classic looking boat, I would get the kids involved and rebuild the transom this winter a little at a time. Do a solid pour transom and you will never have to worry about it again. Good luck

 

[woodsyfeller]

Re: Idiotic Transom Tragedy

Look at the positive here now you have a legitamate exscuse to get another boat.

 

[raymondpickens]

Re: Idiotic Transom Tragedy

What kind of trailer is that boat sitting on?

 

[wmbreck]

Re: Idiotic Transom Tragedy

The trailer is home made I think. It is a beast. Was originally built to drive tractors and such onto which is why the heavy wire bed. Then he put rollers and the other typical boat trailer stuff on. Ingenious. It is perfect where we have to launch because there is not enough water to get the back of the boat in the water and lessen the weight. So when we back it out as far as possible, we pull the bolt/pin and 2 of us can start pushing the boat. When it gets just a few feet back on the trailer the whole front end goes up (need be aware of that and gravity does the rest. Just slide in and we disconnect the strap. Same process in reverse bringing it in. We start with the back end down in the water and wind it up until it levels out. Not sure we could launch at all in this shallow water with a long ledge because it would mean having to push the weight of the whole boat straight back all the way (1100+ Pounds) Also if we had a much heavier boat it would still be a little tougher but my son and I can do it alone. Next year I'm going to put some plastic pieces I saw in Pro Bass catalog that screw on top of the carpeted boards to make the boat slide easier. Seems like a smart idea. If that lessens the resistance even 20-25% this will be a breeze.