Transom Repair From Exterior

[Parkhil2]

Has anyone ever replaced a transom by cutting the exterior skin, rebuilding and reassembling? To me this just seems like a much easier process. The boat in question is a 21' Robalo CC, 1979 hull. It appears that someone cut the top off the transome and tried shoving plywood, un-glassed into the transom, needless to say I need to tear into this this and fix it before the season starts, April 15 if the weather agrees. <br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Bill

 

[Laddies]

Re: Transom Repair From Exterior

Yes, west systems outlines it very well in there manual and you might find it on their web site--Bob

 

[BillP]

Re: Transom Repair From Exterior

It's common to see glass shops doing transom jobs from the back. Nothing unusual about it but most I've seen are done on larger trailer boats around 25'. They cut it out and replace the wood, then glue the outer skin back on for best cosmetics and glass up from the inside. Few to any pro shops take decks off to do transom jobs...no matter what size boat. They cut the deck or motorwell back just far enough to get access and then glass that piece back on.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Transom Repair From Exterior

I had the transom on my 23' CC done about 4 years ago. They cut about 4' of the back cap off and went at it from the inside. That way they had open access. You have to install the new transom from the inside anyway as the transom is bonded to the sides and bottom of the hull with overlapping glass from the inside. I see no advantage in going from the outside. I do see risks in alignment if not done perfectly not to mention cosmetics.

 

[jshoes52]

Re: Transom Repair From Exterior

I agree with BillP...much easier to go at it from the outside as long as you know the deck and stringers are sound. I'd try to leave a 1" border of the old side panel/transom joint intact around the perimeter and slip the new plywood/woven roven/epoxy buildup inside the edges before gluing the cut-out skin back on. then lay new glass over the joint and turn the corners in good shape to re-inforce everything.

 

[BillP]

Re: Transom Repair From Exterior

SoLittle,<br />I think there are a couple reasons they do it from the rear. Its difficult to match factory molded nonskid and access isn't always available for glassing the cap back together. A lot depends on the boat design. I looked at a 24 Chris and 24 Wellcraft that had transoms replaced from the rear. Both had large access hatchs to make glassing from the inside easy. Cutting the back cap was too labor intensive. The chris transom was done about 5 yrs ago for $1000 in a pro shop using epoxy. I thought the price was cheap.

 

[evin300]

Re: Transom Repair From Exterior

In my opinion, I could care less what the "pro's" do. You go in to the shop looking for a cheap, and you will get the least labor intensive option.<br /><br />You go to a shop looking for the best possible job, you will get the most labor intensive option. A particular shop may not even want to quote it this way, especially if they specialize in the cheap way.<br /><br />Do you want the best job for the cheapest price? If you have some confidence in your ability to learn some new skills and a determination to do the job right, separate the boat and go for it!<br /><br />Bottom line, its either a sacrifice of your time, or your money. The question is: Which is the better for you? If paying someone is your choice, are you willing to pay for the best possible job? Or is the next best option ok for you?<br /><br />In my opinion only, A professional will give you both options,(separate the boat, or do it from the outside) Separation of the boat IS the best option, how much cash do ya have? How much time do ya have? any other way of doing it is second best.