Metal transom protector

[KJM]

Do many people use a metal plate on their transom to protect it from the outboard? I see them a lot around here. Apparently they get them fabricated at local metal shops. Also saw online a rubber transom protector supposed to reduce vibration and noise. Is there a need for either?

 

[dingbat]

Do many people use a metal plate on their transom to protect it from the outboard? I see them a lot around here. Apparently they get them fabricated at local metal shops. Also saw online a rubber transom protector supposed to reduce vibration and noise. Is there a need for either?

I use neither
If 2.5" of glass and wood is not sufficient to support the weight of the motor, an measly piece of 1/8" thk. aluminum isn't going to help.

 

[GA_Boater]

A piece of plywood, metal or something else is purely for cosmetics so the transom isn't marred while installing or removing an outboard.

Often the metal plate on older boats is used to make up for a rotted transom, especially if it's oversized. It doesn't work!

 

[KJM]

Yeah I didn't really like the look of them myself but was wondering if other people recommended it. I'm hoping the transom I built will hold on it own but I'll definitely be a bit nervous the first time I put it on.

 

[dingbat]

Evinrude made one for my motor, Ocean Pro logo and all, but basically nothing more than a glorified fender washer (top motor bolts) when all is said and done

 

[Emerger]

Yeah I didn't really like the look of them myself but was wondering if other people recommended it. I'm hoping the transom I built will hold on it own but I'll definitely be a bit nervous the first time I put it on.

Your transom isn't going to fail unless something is really, really wrong. It is sometimes a little nerve wracking putting an engine on a transom you've just built. Sometimes you start second guessing every move you made. It's nothing to worry about. @dingbat posted a picture of one that acts as a glorified washer. I know that people use backing plates when installing an engine bracket but mostly just to make themselves feel better. You can see one here:

https://www.amazon.com/Marine-TSP-1-Transom-Support-Plate/dp/B0000C6HZN/ref=asc_df_B0000C6HZN/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312061157224&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2336418012226581512&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052965&hvtargid=pla-569584415450&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=57630531050&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312061157224&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2336418012226581512&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052965&hvtargid=pla-569584415450

 

[Scott Danforth]

in days of old with small aluminum runabouts, fishing boats and utilities, there was a small wooden pad on the outside to prevent marring of the aluminum when you installed and removed the clamp-on motors. it also made the transom thick enough because there was only a 2x10 or similar as the transom wood.

i have seen that replicated in aluminum, however always looked best as a section of ash or white oak.

some early fiberglass utility boats had the same pad

larger fiberglass boats with proper transoms do not need it. the motor is bolted in place

the big patch panel because the transom is rotten is simply someone putting a last ditch band-aid on a rotten transom. especially if the motor is bolted on properly

rubber wont help here, for vibration either because to make the joint rigid enough for the bolts to do their job, you have to compress the rubber solid