transom crack

[78mfg79evinrude115]

hello everyone, on my second boat 1994 century 17' bowrider with 115 yamaha..bought off my boss for cheap..sat in the woods over four years(rode hard and put away wet too), after removing all moss, lillypads, mold(tons), lake scum line, complete acid wash down, and hours upon hours of intense cleaning(still more to do)... also new water pump, all fuel lines, filters, bulb.. full motor tune including some love to the cylinders, she fired right up and purrs like a kitten every time.. most recently over this warm spell in early spring i got rid of all old pin-striping, starting to clean up nicely..



Now as far as sitting in wet environment(the woods next to a lake) for so long everything seems very strong.. i am 6ft 300 lbs and can walk around the entire deck with out even so much as a squeak. nothing soft on deck at least.

Need to get the gel-coat shined up next..but i have a big crack at top of transom i need a few opinions on, before i throw up the photos i would like to add my 2 cents.. i dont see any signs of rot in the transom, not that you can tell without a true core sample.. but i do believe this is purely cosmetic caused from the drilled screw holes where the rub rail cap attaches and screw holes where the angle aluminum under the motor is (you can also see spider cracks around the splashwell drain tubes , i would image from drilling holes during build)... added with the fact that the 115 yamaha is too big and heavy for this boat. i have been seeing these were built with 80hp yamaha originally...I am no pro on anything boats but spent 15 yrs as certified auto tech so i hope im competent enough to handle everything.. I also have 0 history of the boat so for all i know there was no transom saver ever or perhaps trailering incident to start crack but then again i am also thinking screw holes are suspect...







The pics you see of transom area are just how i got the boat...i have not touched it in any way..So I asked local marina if i should marine tex cracks and sand /paint...he said marine tex is to rigid, just crack again... to use polyester resin of some sort like bondo fiberglass jelly then sand/paint...i am also worried if i use gelcoat to repair it will just crack again...

i also know that this year was transition year for century being bought by yamaha, so i am hoping this isnt an issue with gelcoat experiments by manufacturer.. i know century has generally good reputation but there are some sketchy years in there.. it also is a very skinny spot where the crack is so maybe a design flaw?

any thoughts 100% percent appreciated...

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: transom crack

hello everyone, on my second boat 1994 century 17' bowrider with 115 yamaha..bought off my boss for cheap..sat in the woods over four years(rode hard and put away wet too), after removing all moss, lillypads, mold(tons), lake scum line, complete acid wash down, and hours upon hours of intense cleaning(still more to do)... also new water pump, all fuel lines, filters, bulb.. full motor tune including some love to the cylinders, she fired right up and purrs like a kitten every time.. most recently over this warm spell in early spring i got rid of all old pin-striping, starting to clean up nicely..

View attachment 143147

Now as far as sitting in wet environment(the woods next to a lake) for so long everything seems very strong.. i am 6ft 300 lbs and can walk around the entire deck with out even so much as a squeak. nothing soft on deck at least.

Need to get the gel-coat shined up next..but i have a big crack at top of transom i need a few opinions on, before i throw up the photos i would like to add my 2 cents.. i dont see any signs of rot in the transom, not that you can tell without a true core sample.. but i do believe this is purely cosmetic caused from the drilled screw holes where the rub rail cap attaches and screw holes where the angle aluminum under the motor is (you can also see spider cracks around the splashwell drain tubes , i would image from drilling holes during build)... added with the fact that the 115 yamaha is too big and heavy for this boat. i have been seeing these were built with 80hp yamaha originally...I am no pro on anything boats but spent 15 yrs as certified auto tech so i hope im competent enough to handle everything.. I also have 0 history of the boat so for all i know there was no transom saver ever or perhaps trailering incident to start crack but then again i am also thinking screw holes are suspect...

View attachment 143144

View attachment 143145

View attachment 143146

The pics you see of transom area are just how i got the boat...i have not touched it in any way..So I asked local marina if i should marine tex cracks and sand /paint...he said marine tex is to rigid, just crack again... to use polyester resin of some sort like bondo fiberglass jelly then sand/paint...i am also worried if i use gelcoat to repair it will just crack again...

i also know that this year was transition year for century being bought by yamaha, so i am hoping this isnt an issue with gelcoat experiments by manufacturer.. i know century has generally good reputation but there are some sketchy years in there.. it also is a very skinny spot where the crack is so maybe a design flaw?

any thoughts 100% percent appreciated...

You have a bad transom, needs to be recored and replaced.

 

[78mfg79evinrude115]

Re: transom crack

I know the wood is soaked..but there is no flex with me standing on it.. i am hoping to dry it out as much as i can.. and seal it up so no more water can get into the crack.. i definitely cant afford to have someone rebuild the transom so i would need to take it on myself, which i dont want to do this season, any thoughts on if you would put your kids in this boat?

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: transom crack

Stand on the skeg or on top of motor and see if transom flexes when bouncing up and down. I wouldn't put my kids in the boat if I thought the motor was to big for the transom that is rotten. The transom will not dry out. It needs to be recored and you can do it all yourself with the help of plenty of experienced people here and on other forums.

All that being said, most older transoms are wet and they are wet for many years before you see exterior damage. when you start getting exterior signs, the transom need to be replaced. The cracks you have are not minor cracks.

By the way, the metal transom cap is usually the first sign that something was wrong and somene put that on there to spread the load. It may not show flex with that cap on it like it would without. Not to many boats came with a transom cap to spread the load, they are a repair peice usually.

 

[78mfg79evinrude115]

Re: transom crack

ok i will raise the motor and stand on the skeg and bounce, see if i can see movement...thanks for the insight, seems like a huge job unless your saying i can recore just the center piece where the motor sits, by cutting out the top and digging it out while in the boat still without gutting whole rear of boat?.. and perhaps grinding out the cracks and new gel coat where crack is.. appreciate your time...ps your rig is sweet hope to have something big like that but not on my income!!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: transom crack

If the transom flexes, even just a bit, it will need to be replaced, if you want to ensure you have a safe boat. Several methods are available to do this. Let us know about the flex.

 

[78mfg79evinrude115]

Re: transom crack

First matter of business.. Its excellent to see that some people are nice enough to answer complete strangers questions with out a second thought.. most people charge for everything nowadays and couldn't care less about the outcome.. In my short time on iboats and other boating forums - and just the boating community in general, everyone is so nice. Thank god that there is a part of this country that is still good natured.. even at the lake everyone is so nice and polite, on the water people wave right back at my girls(because they are so excited to have a boat they wave at everyone..i think its great).. I am now a proud member of that community as are my girls.. Big Thank You to everyone who takes the time to help someone else in need, you are appreciated.

I am charging up the battery and will get back out there on Saturday and raise that motor up and jump on her, see if she has any give.. boy i hope not, I have finally found something wholesome the whole family loves to do together, and we live really close to 2 very nice lakes so if we dont tube and just putt around the lake and drop anchor catch some rays and swim, we only spend about $20 for gas for the whole afternoon, plus insurance not mandatory where i am.. or else i would never be able to afford it..registration is enough alone.

I will post my findings, i plan to have the wife grab the camera and take a close up video of the cracks while i jump on it.. if it doesn't flex with me on it.... oh man i hope shes good.

 

[78mfg79evinrude115]

Re: transom crack

no flex at crack ... had 5'10" 180lb friend stand up on the skeg and bounce--a lot enough to move entire boat... put my hand right on the crack and felt no movement, anywhere along the crack...i know i am sure its rotted to a point or else it wouldn't have flexed to crack, but i also pulled the rub rail caps and rail from the transom and just as i suspected the cracks start right at the drill holes on both sides?? .. but what are some thoughts about pulling the motor grinding and sanding out the whole crack..then some fiberglass strips for reinforcement..also considering larger c shaped transom cap or custom made cap...possibly some sort of reinforcement inside the boat(thin steel stock )... i will post some more picks from inside boat. i also banged around the transom with mallet and sounds solid...any thoughts ?

also looks like a huge job to replace transom, possibly the only way to do it right would be to remove entire top of boat off the hull to gain access to all wood, it has a lot going on back there... i will post more pics when i get em. i am looking to fix it and run for a few short seasons, while keeping a close eye on the trouble spots untill i decide if its worth it or a new boat is in order?? any thoughts?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: transom crack

The 115 hp is going to put undue stress on the transom and I suspect that is what has caused the cracking. In order for the glass to crack like that it has to have flexed at some point in time. If you repair it it will just happen againg if you don't resolve the problem. Reinforcing the transom on the inside MIGHT help but no guarantees. I'd recommend putting the correct motor back on the boat and then do the repairs. JMHO.

 

[oops!]

Re: transom crack

hi ...welcome to iboats.

that is a really nice boat !

i can see from your last post, the train of thought you are following....so i will have to be very straight forward.

those are major cracks.....you might get away with this season......but i doubt if you will make it thru the next.

no alum cap or fiberglass crack repair is going to help this problem.

the transom core is rotting away.....you cant dry it, you cant stop the rot (without major work) this boat will need a new transom soon.

your girls are the ones that might pay the price if it fails.

start reading up here on transom replacement.

we can help you do this.....you can do it....

but a band aid is not the way.

sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear my friend.....but personally i would rather know the truth, and deal with it than delay where it could cost lives.

we are standing by....waiting to help.

 

[vincechig1975]

Re: transom crack

I have some spider webbing on the bottom of our boat's hull right at the drain, bot sure if it goes through the fiberglass though.....I still haven't had the chance to dive into it cause of my wife's health issues but I'll be back at it soon Welcome to iboats and nice ride....

 

[78mfg79evinrude115]

Re: transom crack

opps and others thanks for the input.. i don't take safety lightly when it comes to my kids and wife..ok i guess the first thing to do is get an engine hoist and pull the motor, then a ton more pics, and a plan... the transom is a bit complicated with a large - high backed splashwell and many transom sub sections.. here is a pic of my lovely wife and and our nice interior that was a complete mess when i got it still needs some vinyl work but its all original if you look close you can see the century logo stiched into the back of bench seat its also in the back of the swivels...boy i wish i had before pics...looks like different boat, believe me.. i will look for pic of out side of transom to give every one a better idea of what i am working with.. also will get detailed picks of inside and out tomorrow after work..

 

[oops!]

Re: transom crack

ok bud.....when you get the pics up.....we will jump in and get you going soi you can enjoy the season

 

[78mfg79evinrude115]

Re: transom crack

vincechig1975...hope both your girls get better..(wife and boat)... Couldn't get pics tonight raining and crappy.. tomorrow definitely.. that also poses an issue... i will be doing any work in the elements(driveway).. and i prob wont be able to build a crane to remove top of boat like you did opps, currently waiting for kindergarten to start for wife to get back to work full time..then out of this crummy apartment and into a house with a garage...think i can do the job in the driveway? i say anything is possible, also i was missing center walk through windshield found one on ebay cheap and that came in today..

also found this hoist on ebay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/150804610663?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

twice the lift as harbor freight $180 and long enough boom for auto and truck use... thinking about this one...anyone have any input?

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: transom crack

vincechig1975...hope both your girls get better..(wife and boat)... Couldn't get pics tonight raining and crappy.. tomorrow definitely.. that also poses an issue... i will be doing any work in the elements(driveway).. and i prob wont be able to build a crane to remove top of boat like you did opps, currently waiting for kindergarten to start for wife to get back to work full time..then out of this crummy apartment and into a house with a garage...think i can do the job in the driveway? i say anything is possible, also i was missing center walk through windshield found one on ebay cheap and that came in today..

also found this hoist on ebay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/150804610663?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

twice the lift as harbor freight $180 and long enough boom for auto and truck use... thinking about this one...anyone have any input?

Hey man, glad to here your planning on fixing this. Be prepared for alot of work that may expand as you open her up. Usually, (but not always) stringers are found rotten when the transom is rotten. You may not have gotten alot of flex because of the metal cap that was put on as a fix, but its not fixed.

A local tow company could probably send out a truck with a extending boom to pull your motor. Might be worth looking into. $60 bucks or 40 bucks to someone off duty. You can most definately do it in your driveway but will probably need a temp inclosure so your neighbors don't get to nosy. Also local codes can play a part. But the transom can be removed from the inside or outside. No need to pull the cap.

Ohh, and I know you want to get your family out on the water, but working on the boat with the family can be very enjoyable to.

 

[78mfg79evinrude115]

Re: transom crack

i think i am just going to buy elcheapo from harbor freight... $179 short drive to local store... my tow vehicle 99 suburban has 222k miles on her and bad intake and head gasket so im thinking i am going to be a busy guy this summer! Just rebuilt the transmission about 15k miles ago(did that in January 2011 in driveway and basement bbbrrrrr!...and oooouchh!).. So the hoist will get its fair share of use...i am also looking for air compressor to run all my automotive air tools (angle grinder with cut off discs are going to be my best friend i am thinking) but hunting craigslist and ebay for used not much ....again for just a bit more i can get new.. thoughts?

not sure how much help the family is going to be...they are very good at enjoying the fruits of my labor...but they are worth every minute. just kiddin they love to clean it but anything techy and they run screaming

 

[78mfg79evinrude115]

Re: transom crack

ok finally stopped raining enough to get some photos.. i have no idea where to even start aside from taking the motor off.. should i pull as much as i can out of the boat..all hoses and wiring back there.. should i remove the gas tank? no idea what wood to replace...just the very rear transom where the motor sits?.. is the "inner transom" or the second larger flat area behind where the motor area is, is that wood also or just glass?? no idea what to use to cut this bad boy open...sawzall? or even where to cut.. should i just remove the very top cap off the motor area and dig the transom out...no clue ... no clue what the large box type structures on the inside are...holy crap this seems way more complicated than any transom replacement i have seen online, not just a big piece of wood across the back on this one, but maybe i am just overwhelmed right now..

and i know its very dirty in there, only place i haven't cleaned yet.. you can just image what everything else looked like before scrubbing.. any help is appreciated so much, thanks in advance

 

[78mfg79evinrude115]

Re: transom crack

 

[78mfg79evinrude115]

Re: transom crack

 

[78mfg79evinrude115]

Re: transom crack

more to come in couple mins..no particular order