Tansom concerrn or just paranoid??

[MassDave]

I am very new to boating and just got my first boat last year. It is an old fiberglass Lin Craft that is over 40 years old. When I got it last spring that had a couple of holes about one inch from the bottom of the boat on the transom that water would come out of. Looks like maybe where the depth finder was. The transom seems very solid, even a couple times when I let the motor down very hard it just bounces a small bit but it doesn't seem to have any flex. Also I put some waterproof epoxy around the drain hole because it seemed open to the elements.
Is there a way for me to know for sure without spending big money?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Tansom concerrn or just paranoid??

Yep, get inside the boat, get as low on the transom as you can get, drill into the transom using a 3/8" bit about and 1" deep. DO NOT DRILL ALL THE WAY THRU!!!!! If you get Light brown Dry Shavings yer good to go. If you get dark brown wet shavings then your transom is wet, will eventually rot, and will need to be replace. Seal all your drilled holes with 3M 5200. As far as that goes, ALL holes in your transom should be sealed with it.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Tansom concerrn or just paranoid??

I am very new to boating and just got my first boat last year. It is an old fiberglass Lin Craft that is over 40 years old. When I got it last spring that had a couple of holes about one inch from the bottom of the boat on the transom that water would come out of. Looks like maybe where the depth finder was. The transom seems very solid, even a couple times when I let the motor down very hard it just bounces a small bit but it doesn't seem to have any flex. Also I put some waterproof epoxy around the drain hole because it seemed open to the elements.
Is there a way for me to know for sure without spending big money?

Its shot for certain, 40 yrs old with water coming out of screw holes.
Thats all you need to know.
Its not real big money to fix but its an old boat and probably needs a stringer job along with a deck.
Post some pics, a good overall view and some closeup of the transom and deck.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Tansom concerrn or just paranoid??

I am very new to boating and just got my first boat last year. It is an old fiberglass Lin Craft that is over 40 years old. When I got it last spring that had a couple of holes about one inch from the bottom of the boat on the transom that water would come out of. Looks like maybe where the depth finder was. The transom seems very solid, even a couple times when I let the motor down very hard it just bounces a small bit but it doesn't seem to have any flex. Also I put some waterproof epoxy around the drain hole because it seemed open to the elements.
Is there a way for me to know for sure without spending big money?

You can allways call around and see how much a moisture meter and some percussion tests would be.

I would do it for free if you pulled up to my shop for a prelim estimate .. there might be other marinas that do the same thing..

YD.

 

[MassDave]

Re: Tansom concerrn or just paranoid??

I did some tapping around with a hammer and it sounds pretty hollow which isn't looking good for the home team, But there is hardly any flex when I push and pull on the motor. I think I am going to just redo it and then there in no worries. What is the easiest way to redo it. I was thinking the Seacast method probably would be.