Transom Replacement Help

[Russdog]

I have a 1992 Blu Fin Spectrum, 17 Fish N Ski boat that I am going to restore. I am at a point where I need help. My transom needs replaced and I can't figure how to get the cap off without breaking a weld. It appears that the cap is welded to the splash well, which is okay but it appears that the splash well is welded to the back aluminum of the boat. Is it okay to break those welds leaving the back in-tack? But then there is another issue for me. The splash well is supported by braces that are welded to the bottom of the boat. Unfortunately I don't have pics of that part, but the pics you can see how the cap and splash well are welded. My current thinking is to cut the vertical weld between the top cap and the lower middle cap and that holds the splash well to the back of the boat, and then make a horizontal cut on the splash well support braces which will allow it to be pulled up and off the transom. Or is this a 3 piece transom, because I can likely take off all three caps.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Transom Replacement Help

Is it necessary to completely remove the cap? You may be able to get to the transom core by only cutting out the cap at the top of the transom. It would make getting the wood out more difficult, but it is possible. And when you go back it may possible to replace the transom cap alone without any welding at all. I have seen some projects where they leave the cap in place and replace the core from inside the boat up behind the splashwell.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Transom Replacement Help

Remove the engine and de-rig it, then you can see better , I would consider cutting the splashwell if its fiberglass.
If you can get the splashwell out of the way the rest is simple.

 

[Russdog]

What type glue and resin?

What type glue and resin?

I am replacing my transom on an aluminum boat. This may start some debate but I'd like recommendations on

1)what type of glue to use to glue the two pieces of TREATED plywood together and

2)what brand resin to use to seal it.

I am NOT going to glass it afterwards.

 

[Shife]

Re: What type glue and resin?

Re: What type glue and resin?

Do not use treated plywood. The chemical used in the treatment process will cause severe corrosion with the aluminum.

I prefer using epoxy. I would use epoxy thickened with a high density filler to bond the pieces and straight epoxy to seal the part. I do not recommend PL Premium adhesive for marine use. It is not rated for contact with water and has relatively poor bonding strength when compared to 3M 5200 and has abysmal bonding strength when compared to epoxy.

Brand is up to you. I prefer using West Systems but it is pricey for large projects. I use West on the racing sailboats I'm involved with because I trust it and my life may depend on it offshore. I'm using US Composites branded epoxy on my 17' fishing boat because I'm not expecting my deck or transom to see 10k lb loads and using West would double the price of that project.

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: What type glue and resin?

Re: What type glue and resin?

I am replacing my transom on an aluminum boat. This may start some debate but I'd like recommendations on

1)what type of glue to use to glue the two pieces of TREATED plywood together and

2)what brand resin to use to seal it.

I am NOT going to glass it afterwards.

Bond it properly with 3m5200 and it is never coming apart. Rough up the surfaces to be joined with sand paper beforehand .

 

[Russdog]

Re: What type glue and resin?

Re: What type glue and resin?

Thanks for the links with your message, they will help. BTW my boat is a 92 Blue Fin F&S 1700 - looks almost identical to yours.

I heard todays treated wood is different than previous treated and will not react with aluminum?

 

[Shife]

Re: What type glue and resin?

Re: What type glue and resin?

Thanks for the links with your message, they will help. BTW my boat is a 92 Blue Fin F&S 1700 - looks almost identical to yours.

I heard todays treated wood is different than previous treated and will not react with aluminum?

I dunno... one thing I've learned about boats is that if it's designed to keep water out it'll keep water in. Once those chemicals leach out bad things tend to follow. If you're planning on sealing the pieces up with resin I wouldn't chance using treated wood. There's some pictures floating around here of what happens when that stuff reacts with aluminum. Not good.

There's a few Blue Fin owners here. We tend to get lost in the fuzz amongst the mob of Starcrafts here.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: What type glue and resin?

Re: What type glue and resin?

Epoxy is not necessary..... poly resin is cheaper and effective...

PL adhesive or gorilla glue to attach the plywood together is fine since the plywood sandwich is coated and is mounted in the transom and bolts actually hold it there..... it will not come apart.

Newer pressure treated plywood is ACQ which has copper in it.... copper will create a major reaction with aluminum along with other metals and fasteners.

As per your profile we are only dealing with a Force 90 on a 17' boat...... yes epoxy is stronger but the expense may not be worth the gain.....

Please keep your questions about one project in one thread.

 

[seamorewaterVIP]

Re: What type glue and resin?

Re: What type glue and resin?

Epoxy is not necessary..... poly resin is cheaper and effective...

Newer pressure treated plywood is ACQ which has copper in it.... copper will create a major reaction with aluminum along with other metals and fasteners.

QUOTE]

I agree with bob. The new acq treated wood is much more currosive than the old arsnic treated wood. I had and issue with it when if first came out. I built a 800 sqf deck around a pool for a customer with the acq stuff and used screws that I had on hand about a year later the customer called me and said the deck was falling apart Well I went out there and shure enough it was falling apart. The acq had eaten most of the screws. Did some reasearch and rebuilt the deck for the customer this time using the correct scews that by the way are about 40.00 for a 5 lb box. Won't make that mistake again.