Leak on boat, fix without fixing?

[KaiBlaed]

My 67 starcraft, I just noticed leaks a little bit where there was originally a motor that bolted onto the lower area of the transom, I pulled the sylicon out of the hole and if i press really really hard on the transom a little water will come out. The transom isnt soft, is there is a relatively easy way to dry up that water? I dont really have the funds to be ripping it apart right now.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Leak on boat, fix without fixing?

You could also try your question on the "Boat Restoration an Building" forum too.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Leak on boat, fix without fixing?

Ya, that is bad, if water is coming out of the transom board it means your transom is on the way out.

You should be able to put your entire weight on the motor without the transom moving more than an 1/8'', the force the motor puts on the transom at WOT is many times your body weight given you don't go 380 or anything, it should easily hold 250lbs without moving more than 1/8''.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Leak on boat, fix without fixing?

Isn't a Starcraft an aluminum boat? The transom wood is usually open to the inside of the boat so its easy to check for rot. Like 5150abf said, post on the restoration forum. But go easy throwing a lot of weight on the outboard, I've seen brand new boats flex quite a bit when the owner stood on the cav plate. They are meant to take force pushing, not so much pulling back. It all depends on the size of the boat and horse power ratings. I would expect a boat that has a 250hp rating to be able to support your weight, but a boat with a 80 hp rating may flex more than you might think with 200 lbs on it.

 

[KaiBlaed]

Re: Leak on boat, fix without fixing?

I didnt really think putting my full weight on the transom was a good idea, but just to let you know it doesn't move under a good 150lbs. Most of the starcrafts I have seen have been aluminum ..... but mine is definitely fiberglass... Do you think drilling a hole at the bottom of the transom and letting it drain all of it .. and then repairing it would work, as long as the wood isnt ate up already?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Leak on boat, fix without fixing?

I've read on these forums where anti-freeze will stop the rot. If its solid but wet and you just want to buy some time, then consider filling the transom with anti-freeze to stop the rot process. I suppose the way to do it is to drill a hole near the bottom so water can drain. Then find the source of the water leaking in and patch it. Then drill a hole near the top to pump anti freeze back in. You have to experiment with this process.

Of course, the proper fix is to remove and replace the transom wood.