Tracker transom probem

[wippb]

I bought a Tracker 16' Deep V used (1990) this season. I like the boat for the water I use it on but by the end of the summer I have noticed that the transom seems to be pulling away from the splash plate. When water comes over the transom it now runs into the hull instead of draining out of the drain holes at the back. I have not had a chance to see if the transom board is rotted yet but plan to soon. Has anyone out there had any experience with making transon repairs of some kind to this make of boat.

 

[JB]

Re: Tracker transom probem

Ahoy, Wipper. I am sorry to tell you that I had a similar experience with a !@#$%^& Tracker. Every piece of wood in that *** thing was soft. I sold it for the value of the excellent OMC 70 that was on it.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[wippb]

Re: Tracker transom probem

Hey J.B.<br />Any sugesstions on how to fix it.<br />

 

[JB]

Re: Tracker transom probem

Sorry, Wipper. The reason I sold it was that I had no idea what to do, and this site didn't exist.<br /><br />Good luck. Someone will come along with good suggestions.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[Hooty]

Re: Tracker transom probem

Yo, Wipper,<br />Iz that there Tracker aluminum or fiberglass?<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />hooty

 

[wippb]

Re: Tracker transom probem

Hey Hooty<br />She be of the aluminum variety.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Tracker transom probem

Shouldn't be THAT big ah deal (sez he). How accessable is the transom from the inside of the boat. Of course what I'm thinking is tearing out old wood and replacing with new wood bolted from outside in. Put a couple of 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 pieces of angle iron across the inside of the new wood to bolt to. Sounds easy. Where did I go wrong?<br /><br />c/6 hooty

 

[wippb]

Re: Tracker transom probem

I think that will be my plan of attack. A little bit of work to get at the transom though. I'll have to remove gas tank, battery box, etc., etc., and then remove the splash deck and motor of course. I think I will use aluminum angle though. I believe it will be less maintenance (no rust). We don't have any salt water around here.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Tracker transom probem

Sounds like a plan to me. Be sure and caulk new bolts and bolt holes to keep water from new wood. Keep in touch and let us know how goes it.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />hooty

 

[rloper]

Re: Tracker transom probem

Wipper, when you get the splashwell and battery box, ect. out of the way. Dig out all the old wood till all you have is the aluminum, then take cardboard and make a template. You can use two pieces of cardboard, just make sure to tape together as exact size of transom. Then what I like to do is cut the outline back about a 1/4" all the way around. Then take regular plywood 3/4" for your size boat,samwitch together with weldwood glue. Then encapsulate the whole thing in fiber glass. One coat of matt is enough, Just make sure the whole thing is sealed. Then buy 3M 5200 marine sealant. Bed the area behind where the wood will go then put in the wood(fiberglass cover)and fill in the gaps around with 5200. It will not need any angle iron or aluminum. Fill all bolt holes with 5200. A bad day fishing is better than a good day at word

 

[Valv]

Re: Tracker transom probem

Hey wipper, I have some transom top reinforcement aluminum parts. They come from Lund boats. They might work helping keeping top of transom together. They need to be drilled. Check them out at:<br /><br />

 

[wippb]

Re: Tracker transom probem

Loper<br />When you talk about sandwiching them together do you mean two pieces of 3/4" plywood.<br /><br />Valv<br />Do these parts go over the top and replace the existing transom braces or are these in addition to the ones that are there now and bolt underneath between the back of the transom and the side rails.

 

[Valv]

Re: Tracker transom probem

Wipper, I believe these go over the top and replace the braces, but if they don't fit your boat you cau see if they work underneath. These are made for Lund Boats, you have to see if they fit Tracker (just look at the design from pic, and yes I toke picture of 2 left corners, but I have both sides, sorry).<br />Also I believe Loper means glue 2 sheets together, it will add strenght, and if you can find marine plywood it'd be better otherwise use treated.<br /><br />Val

 

[wippb]

Re: Tracker transom probem

Hey Valv<br />How long is the long side of these brackets. The ones that are on my boat are not broken but the one on the port side is loose. After checking why I found that the rivets that are supposed to hold these in place are starting to come out. I'm sure this factor didn't help the original problem. I plan on replacing these rivets when I do the repair job but if your brackets are longer I'm sure it will add more support across the back.

 

[Valv]

Re: Tracker transom probem

Mine are 8" long (inside 7 3/4").

 

[wippb]

Re: Tracker transom probem

valv<br />I measured mine on the boat and they are roughly the same size. I also talked to the boys at work and if needed the can fab me up some nice aluminum ones to any size I may need. Thanks anyway.<br />Wipper

 

[DJ]

Re: Tracker transom probem

Wipper,<br /><br />I,m doing the same thing to a AL Sea Nymph, but this one's 20 years old.<br /><br />You can usually disassemble the transom with a drill and wrenches. The drill is for the rivets Only drill out those that contact wood. Usually the wood does not go all the way down to the bottom of the hull.<br />You can make a perfectly strong transom out of plywood. I suggest using as many layers of 1/2" that will make up the same thickness as the old one. Use waterpoof wood glue and stainless screws to hold the lamination together.<br />Once dried for several days, coat with fiberglass resin or other epoxy product. The same applies (epoxy) for floor and deck boards. MAKE SURE you seal any fittings that come into contact with the wood. I recommend 3M 5052 sealant.

 

[wippb]

Re: Tracker transom probem

Once I get all the junk cleared out of the garage maybe I can start having some fun on this ***** project. It's cold and snowy outside.

 

[rloper]

Re: Tracker transom probem

Wipper, Sorry I have not responded before now. Yes I was reffering to glueing two pieces of plywood together. As far as using Treated plywood or marine I don't recomend it, reason is if you completely encapsulate the wood with fiberglass mat and resine it will keep the water out if holes are sealed with 3m 5200 marine sealant. If water gets in the fiberglass even marine plywood will rot. the secret is making sure its sealed. I have repaired several of my own and have one that has remained solid for 20 years. Loper Good luck seems to follow those who don't depend on it.

 

[fishsticks10]

Re: Tracker transom probem

I just recently joined. Is anyone related to this thread still around to help with the same issue on my 2001 Tracker Deep V 17 Ft WT?