Transom Help - part 2

[mulemarina]

I've got an old Harris Flotebote with a manual lift motor bracket - like the guy who recently posted "Transom Help". (see his picture)
I've got the same issues as he does - the bracket turning into a plow with the motor all the way down - but there's a position where it's manageable.
But now I've got another problem. The wooden transom plate is disintegrating. It won't hold the motor much longer. I'm sure it's very old.
The part I am talking about is a very thick (about 2") piece of plywood, about 10" high by about 30" wide (long).
WHERE CAN I GET A NEW REPLACEMENT PART FOR THIS MOTOR MOUNT / TRANSOM PLATE?
I'm sure I can handle removing the engine and replacing the mount plate, but I can't find the part anywhere on the internet.
Thanks for any advice.

 

[scoutboater]

Re: Transom Help - part 2

This can easily be made out of a piece of regular plywood. Just cut the same pattern (off of your old one) several times and layer them together. Something like PL glue would work well for this. I would recommend either exterior grade or marine grade plywood. *CAUTION* - Pressure treated plywood can cause some serious rust problems when it touches aluminum! Most people recommend a non-treated exterior or marine grade plywood. If I were looking for an extra layer or two of water protection, I would look into building the piece and then fiberglassing over the outside of it. Not necessary, but I always aim for overkill.

A few other thoughts:
1. Make sure you use stainless steel bolts and nuts to install your new transom.
2. Ny-lock nuts or some other form of self-locking nut will give you a little extra peace of mind that everything will stay tight.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Transom Help - part 2

+1 for scoutboater!

 

[crazyinkc]

Re: Transom Help - part 2

I just replaced mine with exterior ply. I think it was 3 layers of 3/4". I found some waterproof wood glue and cut to fit, drilled the holes and mounted. Good as new. I expect to do this every few years but it is easy and cheap.