Replace my transom in aluminum boat?

[Bob Bismal]

I have a 18' 1978 starcraft aluminum v hull with an 1978 115hp Johnson. I've never owned a boat before so I wasn't really sure what to look for when I was buying. I did have a couple Buddy's who I thought knew alot about boats look it over first (all said it wasn't that bad). Anyways I took the boat into the shop to have the motor looked at. The motor checked out great but the hoses are old and need to be replaced. Then they looked at the transom and said they wouldn't do any work on the motor until I had the transom replaced because they were afraid it would break. They told me I shouldn't take the boat out until I get that done either. They don't do that kind of work there, so they weren't trying to sell me anything. Any tips for replacing a transom in an aluminum boat? The guys at the shop said I could get away with pressure treated wood instead of marine grade plywood sense that's what Starcraft probably put in there in the first place 30 years ago. Do I need to put anything on the plywood, doesn't look like there is anything but paint on it now. No kind of fiberglass or hard coating, just paint. Any help?

 

[Bob Bismal]

Re: Replace my transom in aluminum boat?

Oh yea, anything I should know/watch out for when disconnecting the gas, steering and trim adjusting lines and cables?

 

[Rick K]

Re: Replace my transom in aluminum boat?

Bob, it's pretty straight forward. Do a search in here for replacing transom, rotted transom, etc., and you'll get all the info you need, and more. For the debate on marine ply vs. pressure treated, a search here will bring up tons of info too.<br /><br />It's been said that the new pressure treated lumber will react negatively with aluminum. I'd go with marine ply, epoxied together, etc. <br /><br />Trust me - everything you need to know is in here. <br /><br />Good luck<br />Rick

 

[Capn Kirk]

Re: Replace my transom in aluminum boat?

I replaced my transom "79 starcraft holiday".Was real easy once motor is off.I took off top trim,went inside unscrewed many screws that attatch alum.motor well area to plywood transom from inside.Then got a large screw eye and screwed it into the end grain of top of plywood.Then I hooked a chain from the hook to a large pipe[like 2 1/2"]set one end of the pipe on the boat and with longer length in hand I pryed the plywood out.It came out in one piece.When I replaced it I used a dry treated plywood.I didnt even realize they made dry and wet treated till I did this.I believe it took two 3/4" pieces.And dont piece it,use full pieces.Also didnt coat it with anything,worked great!Make sure you put all screws back in,thats where most of the strength is.Hope it helps

 

[Bob Bismal]

Re: Replace my transom in aluminum boat?

Originally posted by Coastie Dad:<br /> I replaced my transom "79 starcraft holiday".Was real easy once motor is off.I took off top trim,went inside unscrewed many screws that attatch alum.motor well area to plywood transom from inside.Then got a large screw eye and screwed it into the end grain of top of plywood.Then I hooked a chain from the hook to a large pipe[like 2 1/2"]set one end of the pipe on the boat and with longer length in hand I pryed the plywood out.It came out in one piece.When I replaced it I used a dry treated plywood.I didnt even realize they made dry and wet treated till I did this.I believe it took two 3/4" pieces.And dont piece it,use full pieces.Also didnt coat it with anything,worked great!Make sure you put all screws back in,thats where most of the strength is.Hope it helps

What store did you get the dry treated plywood from?

 

[Capn Kirk]

Re: Replace my transom in aluminum boat?

Most lumber co should carry it,but I bought mine from wolohan lumber.

 

[Bob Bismal]

Re: Replace my transom in aluminum boat?

Thanks, I called Wolohan lumber in Ludington. Turns out their closing in ten days. The guy did tell me that they don't have any 3/4 dry treated plywood left, but it's just kiln dried pressured treated and that all pressure treated plywood is kiln dried. What did you use to glue that two pieces together?

 

[Capn Kirk]

Re: Replace my transom in aluminum boat?

You can use whats called 3M 5200.It comes in a caulk tube and it is awsome.It takes several days to dry but is forever!You can probably find it in a lot places[hardware stores etc.]but I know West Marine has it. Capt Kirk out----

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Replace my transom in aluminum boat?

I did mine too 18' Holiday I/O and it was easy. I had to go to a wood specialty dealer to get the marine plywood. I either found 1.5" or marine glued 2 ea 3/4" pieces together. Don't remember. Was not treated wood but I did put linseed oil on it real good before installing and then painted it.<br /><br />Course mine was a full blown restoration so it was easy because i had gutted the boat floor and all.<br /><br />Mark

 

[BillP]

Re: Replace my transom in aluminum boat?

What, where, how is dry treated ply? Is that the pre-dryed pt stuff?<br /><br />Bill

 

[Bob Bismal]

Re: Replace my transom in aluminum boat?

From what I've read at different plywood manufacturer sites and what I got from the guy at Wolohan lumber is that all pressure treated plywood is dried to at least 18% moisture (or dry plywood).<br /><br />Some info on marine plywood. Looks like marine grade plywood is not treated for rot. http://www.glen-l.com/wood-plywood/marine-plywood.html

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Replace my transom in aluminum boat?

Bob B. What did you use......?<br /><br />I can remember a purple marine glue that we used in the '50's that would glue 2 pieces of oak together so good that if you split it after curing it would rip the oak out by the grain.<br /><br />On replacing a transom, you are talking about a 30 year old boat. If you replace it and it survives 30 more years do you think that the rest of the boat will be up to another replacement? I doubt it.<br /><br />Next. Most transoms are bolted in place so the bolts hold it together; glue is not a real contributing factor as I can see it.<br /><br />So where does that leave us?<br /><br />Mark