Transom Cracks

[Brad03]

Hey Everybody,

My Family has a 1992(i think) boat. I'm not sure on the make or model, but it is an open bow, outboard speed boat. Anyways, about three years ago we had a slight boating accident, and needless to say the motor turned hard to the left. When this happened, the transom seems to have gotten some cracks in it. Two on either side of the motor mounts. Now we did a temporary fix with some 1" pieces of oak on either side, and clamps. It worked a little bit, but is still not the most secure method. Now I dunno how safe this is, but we have had no problem with performance or anything else. I'm relying on your guys expertise on this to see if I can fix this and how.

Here is some pictures

 

[Brad03]

Re: Transom Cracks

Three More



Thanks guys

Brad

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Transom Cracks

Looks like you're in for a transom restore job! You'll probably find some other stuff to do when you tear into the transom too. Your boat is 20 yrs. old so it's time to go through it and fix it up.

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Transom Cracks

Welcome to the Dry Dock,

I've seen much worse cracks without a bad transom, but on newer models, at 20 years old I think you'll need to take some core samples for us.

Drill a few exploratory holes and let's see what the wood looks like. Use a 3/8" or so bit and drill from the inside, use a stop on the bit to assure you don't go all the way thru. Your transom should be around 2" thick....so set your stop at 1-1/2" or less. Dry chips, your good...wet and dark colored....not good.

Let's us know what you find.


CW

 

[Piece715]

Re: Transom Cracks

Search for Woodonglass posts for where to core... He posts some nice diagrams. If it is needs a new transom, stringers, foam, etc. You've come to the right place. Tons of info at ur fingertips!! Good luck to ya!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Transom Cracks

Welcome to iBoats!!!

I have to tell you, your transom is a goner, and from your description MUST be replace. IT IS NOT SAFE in it's current state. Your "BAND-AID" fix may be holding up for now, but... the stresses put on the transom by your motor are massive and a catastrophic failure could occur at any time. Especially if you are Pulling a skier or tubing behind the boat. Post some pics of the entire boat and we will give you the details on what will be required to replace and repair the transom back to a safe and sound state. You should be aware that there will probably be OTHER issues to deal with such as Stringers and Deck.

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: Transom Cracks

Based on your HIN # XVA28260M80J - visible in picture number 3 in your first post - your boat was manufactured by GULF CRAFT YACHTS INC in May 1980. The registered phone number for them is (561) 234-4388 and the web site is http://www.gulfcraftinc.com/. You can contact them and get the model based on the HIN number. By the way, you have a very clean history for this boat. Hope it helps

 

[Brad03]

Re: Transom Cracks

Thanks for the really fast replies.

So problem I have right now, is my boat is in Kelowna, BC, and I'm in Calgary. I was hoping to see how much it would cost before I decided tow it all the way back, or if it was even worth the fix. The rest of the boat is in really good shape. I'll have to see about getting out there soon and drilling those holes. Its been sitting for three years now, under boat cover, travel cover, and a tarp, all wrapped up tight with monthly inspections, and the snow being brushed off it. So hopefully no more water has managed to get in there.

Hopefully its just something simple to fix this. I know quite a bit about cars, but I'm useless when it comes to boats. Thanks guys

Brad03

 

[spazzer]

Re: Transom Cracks

Hey Brad. First, sorry to see you have a problem. I have the same with my boat. my transom cracked like yours but on the very ends of top flat part of transom. The cause, the wood is rotted between the transom fiberglass skins. I got lucky and my stringers and deck are fine. Took it to a repair shop and got a quote. Darn near fell over... $4000.00 to repair. Im gonna tackle this myself since time is on my side and only because the rest of the boat is in good condition. There are alot of threads on here where others have done the repair themselfs. Most of all read those and ask questions. I would follow what Woodonglass says, the guy knows his stuff. I have a post on here with pics. of mine that shows where its cracked. Good luck to ya.