transom question (wellcraft 230)

[GDB]

I just bought a 1988 wellcraft 230 with 225HP outboard. Didn't seem to have any transom problems, but I started reading the posts and have a question. I have a hairline crack (<1/16") about where the deck meets the transom. Crosses about 3/4 of the width. Seems like it is probably just gelcoat. Some other small cracks but nothing major.<br />Transom seems strong when pushing down on the engine while tilted up.<br />First question. Should I fill the hairline crack?<br />Second question. I checked the drain plug location and am surprised that there is not a "thru hull fitting". There is a fitting for the screw-in drain plug, but it doesn't go all the way thru. Is that normal. I can reach in and it feel the core and it is totally solid, but there is also a void between the inner fiberglass and the core. Water is definitely in the void area. I am guessing that there should be wood there. Should I fill the void?

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: transom question (wellcraft 230)

welcome aboard,<br />u have a few diff. questions, so let's start at<br />#1. are u saying you have a small crack in transom<br />that carries 3/4 of the way across entire beam?

 

[Solittle]

Re: transom question (wellcraft 230)

Can you post some pictures? I have the 1988 Wellcraft 23' Fisherman. I had my tansom redone about 4 yrs ago.

 

[GDB]

Re: transom question (wellcraft 230)

unless I am mistaken, Yahoo won't let me link to this forum to post URL with a picture.....I will figure it out... but maybe not till tomorrow.

 

[GDB]

Re: transom question (wellcraft 230)

Hope you can see it here along the deck/transom joint.<br /><br /> https://home.comcast.net/~robert-a/onlinedirectory/DSCN0374.JPG <br /><br /> https://home.comcast.net/~robert-a/onlinedirectory/DSCN0371.JPG

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: transom question (wellcraft 230)

looks like a stress crack to me gdb caused from<br />the transom flexing. not necc. structural, could<br />just be 16yrs. of stress on that joint. for peace<br />of mind, I would have it looked at by a pro.<br />safe boating,<br />M.Y.

 

[GDB]

Re: transom question (wellcraft 230)

Actually, I was not too worried about the little crack.<br />But I am concerned about my second question. I had read in another post on this forum that you are quite just as likely to get water in the transom from the inside as the outside of the hull.

 

[Solittle]

Re: transom question (wellcraft 230)

The void should not exist but what you are feeling should not necessarily be the wood from the transom core. The core is seldom a perfect fit when it is glassed in. I suggest that you suck out any water with a wet/dry vac and check again for water in a day or so. Repeat until dry.<br /><br />It is probably a good idea to fill the void but I'm not sure how effective that will be since you may not be able to easily get to all of it. I have no suggestions on what to fill it with. Whatever you use make sure that none of it gets on the threads for the drain plug.