Is it worth replacing my transom here? (I have NEVER done fiber glass repair)

[payneturner]

Unfortunately, I recently backed up my grandfather's fiberglass boat he gifted to me last year before he passed into a ditch, causing the motor to dig into the fiberglass and crack it. I got a quote for 4 THOUSAND DOLLARS to replace it. I am a 21 year old college student and am looking to fix it myself. Please let me know what you think and any tips you can possibly give me. Thank You!

 

[matt167]

It busted because it is rotted. Probably $2k for the transom these days. Probably another $2k for stringers and deck that it likely needs it too

 

[tpenfield]

Is it worth replacing the transom here?

Yes . . . Here, there, or anywhere It doesn't really matter.

It looks very much like wood, but pictures can be deceiving. If you want to keep the boat alive, then yes. $4K is pricey, and I'm sure you can do a decent job for a whole lot less. What boat are we looking at and is the rest of it in good condition . . . or would you be opening a can of worms?

 

[briangcc]

Sounds like it has some sentimental value so I would say go for it yourself. Start a thread in the resto section of the forums when you're ready to devote time and energy (and $$$$) to the process.

Appears to be on the smaller side of boats so depending on what your skillset is/learning curve/available funds you *might* bust this out in enough time to enjoy part of this year's boating season.

I wouldn't rush it though as I'd prefer a well-done resto completed once over a rushed half-baked resto I'd be redoing a year or two from now.

 

[racerone]

Based on what the pictures show.------If I was fixing that myself it would be about $150 for epoxy and $100 for quality plywood and fiberglass.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Unfortunately, I recently backed up my grandfather's fiberglass boat he gifted to me last year before he passed into a ditch, causing the motor to dig into the fiberglass and crack it. I got a quote for 4 THOUSAND DOLLARS to replace it. I am a 21 year old college student and am looking to fix it myself. Please let me know what you think and any tips you can possibly give me. Thank You!

welcome aboard

to fix it yourself.....

start by reading links 14, 15, 18, 2, 3, 4a, 4b https://forums.iboats.com/threads/how-tos-and-other-great-information.283508/ read every link. watch ever video.

then look thru many of the restorations here on iboats. use the PC as the site is much better than the mobile versions on a phone

then realize boat ownership is just as expensive as owning a race car. only horse racing and airplanes are slightly more money

you will need to de-rig the motor, remove the seats, and start tearing into it. you will need to build a cradle to support the hull

you will spend a fair amount of money, however you can do it yourself better than what you would have gotten done for $4k. however to do it right, it will cost you a bit of money

you may find other issues along the way.

 

[payneturner]

welcome aboard

to fix it yourself.....

start by reading links 14, 15, 18, 2, 3, 4a, 4b https://forums.iboats.com/threads/how-tos-and-other-great-information.283508/ read every link. watch ever video.

then look thru many of the restorations here on iboats. use the PC as the site is much better than the mobile versions on a phone

then realize boat ownership is just as expensive as owning a race car. only horse racing and airplanes are slightly more money

you will need to de-rig the motor, remove the seats, and start tearing into it. you will need to build a cradle to support the hull

you will spend a fair amount of money, however you can do it yourself better than what you would have gotten done for $4k. however to do it right, it will cost you a bit of money

you may find other issues along the way.

Thank you so much, I will definitely be giving this a try!

 

[chevymaher]

If you like the boat. Like to boat. And plan to boat it is well worth it.

 

[racerone]

Last summer I was at the grandsons place.----We found a $20 outboard for him.----A 1959 Evinrude 5.5 HP.---He helped take it apart.--Over the winter I rebuilt the powerhead,-----Updated crankshaft ( brand new ) with needle bearings new coils and all..---Not keeping track of the money and time.----Well worth doing-----We found a 14' runabout , motor and parts motor on a trailer.----Spent $150 on it.-----Next time there the transom will be rebuilt.-----It is simply worth doing in my opinion !-----Memories are priceless !!

 

[kcassells]

Take some full pics of your boat. Take add'l pics a little further back from the transom also. Looks like a quite doable project. Welcome aboard.

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

My boat is new but doesn't have the sentimental value yours may have, but rebuilding her gave me a sense of pride that I can't describe.
Getting your boat back in the water with the family ties you have with it will be soooo fulfilling and make new memories along with reliving the old ones.