Today's Dumb Topic: Why do transoms rot?

[Tinkerer]

Fibreglass doesn't rot.<br /><br />It's either side of the timber in the transom.<br /><br />Why don't boat builders put in transom timber that is properly treated and coated so it doesn't rot? Or use man-made composite materials which won't rot instead of timber?<br /><br />Or is the timber transom just the marine version of roof shingles? It could be done better, cheaper and longer lasting, but it just ain't?

 

[Ken G]

Re: Today's Dumb Topic: Why do transoms rot?

I'd say that if boat manufacturers could build a transom better, cheaper, and longer lasting, they would probably be doing it.

 

[rwise]

Re: Today's Dumb Topic: Why do transoms rot?

I have wondered about using phenolic(sp?) in the transom, costs more but would never rot. Other than cost what would be the drawback/s?

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Today's Dumb Topic: Why do transoms rot?

It's 4 times heavier is the only other one I see. The glass reinforced stuff is suprisingly stiff and resistant to water absorption.<br />EDIT: Price looks like the overriding factor (8x). $400 for a 1/2" sheet makes marine grade ply look downright cheap!

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Today's Dumb Topic: Why do transoms rot?

Most new boats today (since about the late 90's) advertise "wood free construction" or something of the sort. So I'd say the boat manufacturers have already addressed this. All of us on this site with old schoolers just haven't seen the benefits of these newer construction methods yet.<br /><br />I don't specifically know what products they use to reinforce the transoms, though. I would have to guess that there's some plastics out there that could do a nice job with reasonable weight.

 

[DJ]

Re: Today's Dumb Topic: Why do transoms rot?

The most popular choice in "wood free" boats is a material called--Divinycell.<br /><br />It's basically a honey combed synthetic product.<br /><br />See link.<br /><br /> http://www.diabgroup.com/americas/u_products/u_prods_2.html

 

[swimmin' for shore]

Re: Today's Dumb Topic: Why do transoms rot?

For rebuilds, the wood-free choice I've seen would be seacast. It's expensive as heck, but when I get to the second of my boats(with a rotted transom), I'm going to spend the money. It weighs out the same as wood(as per their site) and it does not rot. Ever. They're also advertising it as motor mounts and stringer materials. It's some type of plastic compuound. It's drillable, but still listed as being 3x as strong as marine grade wood, while maintaining it's water and rot-proof charachteristics. From my homework, I was coming up with about 600 dollars to do an I/O transom.

 

[REEFKEEPA]

Re: Today's Dumb Topic: Why do transoms rot?

The manufacturers can make everything last longer but it's not good for business.

 

[Speakrdude]

Re: Today's Dumb Topic: Why do transoms rot?

Check this out.....<br /><br /> http://mfile.akamai.com/12689/wmv/b...m/12689/_dld/ranger/ranger_hulldecklamination

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Today's Dumb Topic: Why do transoms rot?

I think the reason they don't use treated wood is that the glass won't bond to wood who's pores are filled. That's why you can only use certain types of wood, etc., etc.

 

[rwise]

Re: Today's Dumb Topic: Why do transoms rot?

Speakrdude<br />I get access denied you do not have permision on this server.<br /><br />SFS<br />seacast is one of the brands/grades of phenolic, real good stuff, just pricey, but if you like the boat and intend to keep it,,,,,

 

[Tinkerer]

Re: Today's Dumb Topic: Why do transoms rot?

Originally posted by rwise:<br />[QB] Speakrdude<br />I get access denied you do not have permision on this server.<br /><br />[Q]

Me too.