Transom flex

[whofarted]

I have a 85 capri 1600 open bow with a mariner 90 outboard, my transom will flex or bend a little if I bounce the engine with my foot. Is this a major issue or is it common?

 

[j_k_bisson]

Re: Transom flex

Looks like you have minimum a weak transom. Worst case the common Bayliner rotten transon syndrome. You will want to check that issue out allot further before going on the water again. The possibility of you having a very bad transon is high with the discrition you describe.

If you have a splash well and it has drains. Like most bayliner outboard boats do. Pop out the snap together drains and check out the integity of the wood in the transom. If it is rotton or soft, then pull the motor off the boat, or better yet pull one top bolt from the motor and one bottom bolt kitty corner from each other. One at a time of coarse. Check again for rot.

If it is rotten then this is the place to look for advice for restoring that boat of yours. Not the first one to be done here. But do check it out ASAP. It is a safety issue.

 

[whofarted]

Re: Transom flex

Thanks for the the suggestions. I will defiantly check that out. I am also thinking of using the rot doctor epoxy injection on it.

 

[j_k_bisson]

Re: Transom flex

Depending on how bad your rot is, that method of repair is a bandaid at best. It will only get you by for a couple of season at most. If you are planning on keeping it then you might as well do it right the first time. Replace the rotted wood.

If you fix it with rot doctor, then don't you need to disclose that repair to the next buyer when you sell it? Isn't there legal ramifcations of knowing something is wrong with a boat when you sell it?

If it where me I would just rip out the old rotten wood and fix it with new stuff. Post a couple of pics of your boat and we'll give you a good Idea of what the cost will be. or better yet, do a search on here os previous repairs to that same boat. Send them PM's asking how much it cost to fix. It's your best method of estimating the cost or repair.