Question on replacing transom

[WarrenW]

I just aquired this boat today and the transom is rotted so the whole thing needs replacing. There are two braces holding the transom. There are no sheers or chines - the sides of the boat is just fiberglass.

So once I cut out the transom, are the two braces and fiberglassing it to the sides going to be strong enough? Is there anything else I can do? It looks like the transom is made up of two or three layers of 3/4" plywood. I'll use marine ply of course.

Also, does anyone know what make or anything about this boat is? Its 15' long - figure I could put atleast a 50 or 60 on the back.

Warren

 

[Solittle]

Re: Question on replacing transom

This should be moved to the restoration section. You will get better input there.

Warren - That hull is a basket case. If I were in your shoes I'd look around a bit more before dropping the effort and $$$ you will need to pour into that hull. You should be able to find a free hull in better shape that this one.

 

[scrobo]

Re: Question on replacing transom

I like the planter look it has now

But I love the look of it. Very slick. It would make a nice watercraft if redone nicely.

I used SEACAST for my transom. It was a great product but you have to follow the instructions perfectly. I kinda skimmed on a few I thought were unnecessary and now my transom nows out approx 1".

But very cool looking hull! I like it.

 

[WarrenW]

Re: Question on replacing transom

I found out this is a 1959 Glass Craft Sportster. I like the challenge of restoring this boat. I removes the braces to the transom. They were only fiberglassed to the bottom of the boat. No fasteners either. Is fiberglass normally that strong for support braces to hold?

Here are my latest pictures of it so far:

 

[scrobo]

Re: Question on replacing transom

Check out this product before buying marine ply for this beauty.

http://transomrepair.com/zk/

Strong stuff. I can hang off my transom (I ain;t a lightweight... to say the least) and not a bit of give.

I ended up wit a 14' fiberglass LOnestar from the 50s or 60s and the transom turned into mush. Ended up cutting a bit of the back skin off and clearing out the wood then using SEACAST in place of it. Unbelievably cheap (Unless your boat is HUGE) and 3X stronger than marine ply. Plus good for stringers or any other major application. I coated the rear pan of my boat in it and rocker-guarded it and it can take some heavy stuff. (Dropping drills, hammers etc into it while working away as usual) Plus... never rots. composite core material. Maybe even use it to make the braces. Just make a plywood mold.

 

[WarrenW]

Re: Question on replacing transom

I looked at the site and looks interesting. I'll keep it in mind.

I cut out the transom today and left some edge on the side that may help attach a new transom in. I was wondering if I could sandwich the new one in with metal sheets along with fiberglass and new braces. That should hold huh?

Here are the pics:

 

[EricR]

Re: Question on replacing transom

I know where you got that boat from, I gave it a look over myself!

Generally you keep the outer glass skin and gut it from the inside.

I'm in Garden City, and have a 1969 Glasspar Avalon. I either put it in at butterbean beach (if you are a local you'll know where that is) or the Houlahan boat ramp in the Savnnah river outside of Port Wentworth.

PM me if you want to get together and talk old boats!