Transom PATCH question

[archcityBob]

Hi,

I have a 1972 Fiberglass sixteen foot Deck Boat with a 55 HP 2 stroke Yamaha. The transom is rotted and has been patched with a 2 x 12 or 2 x 14. The 2 X is cracked. I don't know how old the 2 X is. Running the OB the transom flexes. I'm looking at replacing the 2 X. I AM NOT going to tear down the transom at this point in time and redo the whole thing.* My question is: Use another 2 X or use two layers of 3/4" plywood?

The 2 X was cut out around the top OB mount clamps. I figure I won't cut out mine, just route/sand down the thickness so I can fit the patch under the clamps. I'm also thinking about routing the top of the back of the patch so I can put a piece of angle iron (bed rail) along the top as a reinforcement.

*This could also be phrased as I AM NOT going to explain to the wife that the boat we just bought and used one time needs to be torn apart and rebuilt over the rest of the summer.

Thanks. ~Bob~

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Transom PATCH question

Welcome to iBoats!

Is this an Aluminum or Fiberglass boat? You DO understand that the members here on iBoats do NOT recommend Patching transoms, especially NOT the way you are proposing. It is UNSAFE and will put the boat and everyone on it at risk. If you want to do the repairs using proper methods, then I'm sure you will get plenty of assistance but... attempting a QUICK FIX using UNSAFE methods will not get you very far here on iBoats. I STONGLY recommend you consider doing it right or NOT doing it at all.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Transom PATCH question

I am with Wood on this one. Patches are bad and unsafe.

 

[archcityBob]

Re: Transom PATCH question

It's a fiberglass boat. I do understand that patching is not recommended. But as I said, there is no way I'm telling the wife that the boat we just bought needs to spend most of the summer ripped apart. I also thought about getting a 3/8" steel plate. That would weigh about 75 pounds, which if I moved the gas tank and battery forward would offset the weight a lot.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Transom PATCH question

I TOTALLY understand your situation, but...doing what you are proposing is NOT SAFE and will NOT fix the Problem!!! The stresses and loads put on the transom by the motor and waves and wakes could actually rip the motor and transom off the boat which would SINK the boat. It has Happened. Not what you want to hear, but it is the truth. Post some pics of the back of the boat from the outside and some others from the inside but farther back so we can get a wider view. What Make is it?

 

[Decker83]

Re: Transom PATCH question

Hey ArchcityBob,
I have a 1983 DeckBoat that I am restoring. If you take a look at my thread you will see a very small crack along the top of my transom. If you look at the last pic's I uploaded you will see how bad my transom has roted.
Looking a the pic's on yours it looks as if the transom has already given away. It also looks like it is curved instead of straight. It looks like there is not enough good wood to patch too. In MHO I would never take my wife out on the lake in a boat with that kind of damage.
You should really fix this problem before someone gets hurt or the transom fall off and your motor with it.
Good luck with what ever you do. But do it right.

 

[Robert D]

Re: Transom PATCH question

Look at it this way. You're a few hundred feet from the nearest shore, and that transom can simply break off the back of the boat. It will go down in a matter of seconds. What will your wife say then? Will she ever get to say anything? Will she be wearing her lifejacket, or using it as a seat cushion? The boat is unsafe until properly repaired, and in imminent risk of going down....and taking people with it. Tell her the truth...maybe she'll want to help. In either case, safety first. There's no excuse for gross negligence at this point......you've been educated, take it to heart.

 

[Mojo^]

Re: Transom PATCH question

Give it up archcityBob. I was firmly convinced that my patch job on the transom of my 1442 jon would be just fine but these guys convinced me otherwise. I had a new transom welded on last Saturday.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Transom PATCH question

Looks like a good candidate for a SeaCast transom. Expensive, but you could have it done in a weekend.