Making an aluminum transom for my 18' starcraft

[dsujen]

I have a 1976 starcraft 18' rivited aluminum boat. It has a rotten transom. The rest of the boat appears fine. It is totally gutted so I can see everything. I am going to fabricate an all aluminum transom for the boat. I don't want any wood to rot. Should I even bother or should I scrap the boat. I don't even know if the rivits leak yet. I paid 500 for the boat with a 1977 70 hp rude. Running condition unknown.

 

[rheagler]

Re: Making an aluminum transom for my 18' starcraft

The only reason to scrap an aluminum boat that isn't all bent up and smashed is if it has severe corrosion to the point of holes in the metal. Rivets can be rebucked, replaced or sealed with gluvit or similar product. Take a look at some of the restoration threads in the Starcraft section. Every type of repair has been done and documented in those threads. Properly sealed, a new wood transom can last a long time. You can fix it, we can help.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Making an aluminum transom for my 18' starcraft

An all aluminum transom would cost way too much money and properly prepared plywood will last longer then you will ever need.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Making an aluminum transom for my 18' starcraft

All alum transom or scrap the boat? Oh man, do I have any other options?

Yah, like the gents just mentioned, a properly sealed transom should last you the rest of your days.