Sorry...wet transom...again

[mcgyver]

Last fall picked up a 1990 Campion 21.5' Fishing machine. have just begun the resoration of some gelcoat holes and gelcoat cleanup. Noticed in the splashwell the hole that drains this was not sealed well and thus water has leaked into the wood of the transom. I pulled the bronze garboard drain and there was some water weeping from the screw holes. Drilled a few random 1/4" holes in the transom and while they were "damp" they looked like original plywood shavings (no black rot). What would you suggest i do from here? I've tapped the transom with a hammer and it sounds solid, there are no stress lines, and it doesn't move when I rock the Yam 150. Am i doomed for rot?..........

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Sorry...wet transom...again

Use some 3m5200 and get it sealed up. Figure out where the water is coming from........ chances are the mounting bolts for the OB....... remove them one at a time and reseal them with 3m 4200.

 

[mcgyver]

Re: Sorry...wet transom...again

Thanks Bob, yep...my full intention. i'm concerned about getting some of the water out first before i seal it up. I've drilled 6 - 3/8 holes along the bottom of the transom and have been waiting for some water to leak out...nothing...slightly damp wood but that's all. i'm going to leave it all open for a few weeks before i seal her up....I've read about git-rot... acetone....thoughts? thanks

 

[MTribe08]

Re: Sorry...wet transom...again

Thanks Bob, yep...my full intention. i'm concerned about getting some of the water out first before i seal it up. I've drilled 6 - 3/8 holes along the bottom of the transom and have been waiting for some water to leak out...nothing...slightly damp wood but that's all. i'm going to leave it all open for a few weeks before i seal her up....I've read about git-rot... thoughts? thanks

Git-Rot is a thinned epoxy..designed to be able to "soak" into the wood. However, it doesn't displace water, so if you are finding some wet wood..need to try and get it dried first...If you have a heater, that you can direct some hot air toward the holes in transom for a while, that will help to dry it out some. I've also heard that Acetone kills Rot fungus..also displaces water.

If you can get it dried, you can inject a the (Git-Rot or CPES) above the wet spots and let gravity pull it down..and hopefully seal and harden up that wood again.