Is my transom ok?

[stratos92]

I bought my boat last summer (92 Stratos Fish/Ski) and don't have alot of background on it, but yesterday when I was putting the cover on the boat I noticed that the boat (on the outside) was seeping water from behind the ladder screws. It is obvious the previous owner replaced the screws (not very well though). I sucked some water out with the shop vac and plan to put a heat lamp on it to try and dry it out really well. I removed all four screws from the ladder to repair all at the same time. I had the outboard replaced 5 months ago and the shop said the transom was in good shape. What do I need to do to fix this? I am really hoping this is repairable and that I caught it before it is too late. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[stratos92]

Re: Is my transom ok?

Anybody?

 

[SouthTexan]

Re: Is my transom ok?

I'm sure others will chime in, but from what I have read your best course of action is to drill small (~5/16") holes PARTWAY into the transom to check for rot. Brown and wet, no good, tan and dry is what you want. Take several samples throughout the transom to gauge how far any rot has spread. Be sure to fill the holes, 3M 5200 sealant is a good choice.

As to fixing the ladder mount bracket, one idea comes to mind. If the support bracket can be repositioned by sliding it up higher on the ladder, new screws could be affixed into the transom. Be sure to seal up all the new and old holes of course. It's not too clear to me from the pictures if that's a viable option.

My feeling is you will likely find rot in the transom, but if it needs to be replaced there is plenty of info on these forums.

 

[ingalp01]

Re: Is my transom ok?

Hard to tell from the picture you have, but if you really want to be sure, drilling into the Transom on the inside of the hull is the only way to know for sure. Drill approximately 3/4 of an inch into the Transom, mark that depth on a drill with some tape. Like SouthTexan said, tan and dry is good. Dark and wet, or damp is no good...

 

[BWT]

Re: Is my transom ok?

I had the outboard replaced 5 months ago and the shop said the transom was in good shape.]

I hate to say it but I don't think they (the shop) even took a close look at the area. I have yet to come across a transom that retains water and is still "in good shape". By the nature of it's construction it really isn't possible unless areas of the core have been eaten up by some pesky rot. What caused it? Hard to say, but I would recommend reading up on transom replacement Hopefully I am wrong, but I would be surprised

Good luck

~BWT

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Is my transom ok?

Dang! That really sucks!!! Just a little bit of marine grade silicone on those screws when the ladder was installed would've prevented that.

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Is my transom ok?

Hang on now....need a picture on the entire transom....

That ladder attaches to the far side (slanted part) from the engine mounting part... The center section is the only real transom on that boat, the rest is just glass skin and some blocking for ladders and tie downs....

Let's check this out a little better before condemning the transom...

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Is my transom ok?

Here is a very interesting statement I found on the www.

100% composite construction
Stratos? Boats, designed by fishermen for fishermen, are built with 100% composite construction to provide maximum performance and comfort.
Stratos does not use plywood to build the interior structure frame work, but rather builds the frame of fiberglass. It is lighter weight yet considerably stronger. Older model boats are known to be susceptible to water absorption into the plywood increasing the weight and causing rot. No plywood so it does not need to ?feel like one solid piece? because it is one solid piece.

... and sumpin' else.

http://www.ehow.com/list_7428030_stratos-boat-specifications.html

I can't hardly believe this and really want to see some test holes!!!... gimme the drill and I'll do it!

Seriously, it looks like you have nothing to worry about Strat and are good to go... or did you already know that and were just messin' with us?

I would put some silicone on those screws before putting them back in though.

 

[stratos92]

Re: Is my transom ok?

I sure hope you are right. I am going to let it sit without the screws in it for the rest of the week so it can dry out as best it can and then get some 3M 5200 sealant this weekend and seal it up really well next week. I will take a picture of the back of the boat tonight so you can see where the screw holes/ladder are on the boat. I am a newbie and this is my first boat, only had it about 10 months and already had the trolling motor go out and a blown powerhead after the first couple trips. I don't think I am ready to drill holes in the transom just yet.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Is my transom ok?

Take a look at the Stratos website, all of their boat are made without wood and it makes me want to buy one of the Deep Vs they have.

http://www.stratosboats.com/

... btw, have you been removing the plug after a day on the water?... noticed much water coming out?

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Is my transom ok?

I sure hope you are right. I am going to let it sit without the screws in it for the rest of the week so it can dry out as best it can and then get some 3M 5200 sealant this weekend and seal it up really well next week. I will take a picture of the back of the boat tonight so you can see where the screw holes/ladder are on the boat. I am a newbie and this is my first boat, only had it about 10 months and already had the trolling motor go out and a blown powerhead after the first couple trips. I don't think I am ready to drill
holes in the transom just yet.

I understand your point...being a 92 I doubt it's all composite, but it's possible. Most all higher end bass boats are wood free now...but most started in the late 90's and was 2000 and up before all wood free.

Ranger started using some composite material in 1985, but it was a slow transformation to all composite...

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Is my transom ok?

I just sent Stratos an email asking if their '92 models were wood free in the transom, I'll let y'all know what they say... if I get a response.

 

[stratos92]

Re: Is my transom ok?

Thank you for all of the information. I talked to a local guy just a few minutes ago that said he thought Stratos didn't go composite until 97.

I do remove the plug after pulling the boat out. Usually very minimal, but this last time their was. I attributed it to rain from the night before. I pulled the boat out the night before fishing and left the nylon cover on it, but the interior was pretty wet when I removed the cover (not waterproof). I will pay better attention next time I pull it out. I most definitely cannot afford a transom replacement...thats for sure!

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Is my transom ok?

I just sent Stratos an email asking if their '92 models were wood free in the transom, I'll let y'all know what they say... if I get a response.

I'm betting they'll say 1998 and up are composite, will be intresting to see.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Is my transom ok?

Yeah, I'm pretty sure a 92' Is NOT A Composite Boat!!!! It's also a pretty good bet that due to the location of those screws the Transom has NOT been compromised but the Pics of the overall back of the boat will tell the tale. Good Call CW, AS USUAL, YOU ARE the BASS BOAT GURU!!!!!

 

[stratos92]

Re: Is my transom ok?

Below are the pictures of the transom of the boat. The first one is the back of the boat. The white area where the motor mounts is flat and then where it changes to blue it angles in toward the corner. The second picture is where I removed one of the cable screws and I didn't see any type of water come out. The last picture shows the stepped hull and where I removed one of the screws for the transducer cable and again no water came out. I hope this helps tell the tale. I knocked on the transom with the back of a screwdriver and it all sounded to me like it was solid. I have my fingers crossed. Thank you all for your help here. Thanks.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Is my transom ok?

Well, Like I said, CW is the GURU when it comes to Bass Boats, BUT, IMHO, you are NOT going to have an issue. With that slanted stern the actual transom IS the white area. I wouldl let everything dry out for a few days then use a swab to coat all the holes and the screws with 3m 4200 and reinstall everything. Let's see what CW has to say.

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Is my transom ok?

I agree with Woody,

Seal up the screws and remount your ladder....catch a nice largemouth and lie about how big she is. $100.00 says your transom is fine..... If you want to drill some test holes go ahead' you can seal them up too. (3M 4200 is fine for both)

CW

 

[stratos92]

Re: Is my transom ok?

Thank you guys very much for the info. What is the difference between 3m 4200 and 5200. I am going to let it dry out really well over the next several days. Between the Alabama heat and the heat lamp I have been using it should at least dry up some what. CW, I think I will take your advice and seal it up and start chasing some largemouths again. Thanks again to everyone.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Is my transom ok?

5200 is rated as Permanent, 4200 as Semi-Permanent