It looks like I need to replace the transom

[geeco1]

I have came to believe that the PO of my boat must have hit something in the water. Chipped skeg, dent in hull, welded transom, etc. I didn't worry about it at first, because, although it wasn't pretty, the boat was functional. While out this weekend, I noticed some flex in the transom. I also noticed that the aluminum cap/channel that goes on top of the transom was showing signs of cracking. Since I just finished redoing the interior of my boat, I am hoping to be able to do this with minimal destruction to the new floor. Yes, I know, I should have done it all at once

Here is the situation....(with some pics)

The PO welded a piece of aluminum plating to the back of the transom. He also welded the knee brace that is in the bilge. Additionally, he welded aluminum angle-iron to where the motorwell meets the transom (red arrows). My transom has aluminum skin on the inside and outside with about 3/4 or 1 inch plywood inside.

Should I cut the welds on the top of the transom, remove the motor well, then try to get the plywood out without disturbing the inner aluminum skin?

I think that he bent the motor well because it doesn't want to hold-up tight against the underside of the gunwale (green circles).

If I can get the wood out, should I just fill it back with seacast, or cut and replace with exterior ply, coated with epoxy?

I will probably make this a Fall project, but just wanting to see what I have in-store for myself.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: It looks like I need to replace the transom

Leave the splaswell intact...... remove the transom cap and you should be able to remove the plywood from the top and re-insert it the same way.

I would not go with seacast because you would have to make a mold for it.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: It looks like I need to replace the transom

Man that PO really did a lot of work to avoid replacing a simple piece of plywood. I think Seacast would be silly in an aluminum boat. Properly sealed exterior or marine ply will last a long time.

 

[geeco1]

Re: It looks like I need to replace the transom

Thanks for the replies. I think the hardest part is going to be getting all of the screws, etc out so that the plywood slides out.

The PO said that he spent $900 on getting it fixed. I figured about half of what he said is true. He didn't tell me that he hit something, but I didn't ask either. At that time, I wanted a boat, and this one was the exact design I was looking for and in my price range. I really can't complain, it has actually been a good boat.


Just from looking at my pictures, it seems that the transomwood only goes down part way? I hop that is the case, so perhaps I wont have to remove my floor.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: It looks like I need to replace the transom

Probably. Tinny transoms don't go the whole way down.