Transom Replacement in Open Boat (SeaNymph)

[raylab]

Going to look at replacing the transom board on my alum open boat this w/e. Eisting board is not soft yet but looks really bad.

See lots of references to 'Matting' between the laminates as well as GM Sealers. Some related questions follow:

I will be using some quality (appr. 1 1/2" thick) plywood with a composite board (appr. 3/4" thick) laminated to make up the original 2 /4" thickness. The plywood I have is top quality, no obvious gaps, and made of birch and hardwoods. Seems to be equivalent to Marine grade. Opinions?

Don't believe the original has Matting, is this a must or an extra? What does this do anyhow?

Should I coat the whole board with something like GM 4200, or just seal the through bolts?

Is there a reccomended sealant, paint, varnish?

Is the original board likely to be 'gluded' to the aluminum transom plate? If so, will heat help remove it w/o ruining the aluminum?

Lots of questions, cuz I' a typical class A Personality. Takes me a long time to drill that first hole...

Thanks in advance.
Ray L.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Transom Replacement in Open Boat (SeaNymph)

damn , ray , you 're just tackling everything..imno if you seal the wood all edges, with a couple of good coats of oil base paint (valspar). it will last you another 10 years, seal all the holes with a good waterproof sealer, in side and out. and you so be good. the old one will be tight to get out, probably not glue but tight fit. and thur bolted. i replace the wood in the Lonestar.

 

[raylab]

Re: Transom Replacement in Open Boat (SeaNymph)

No kiddin! Stripped the trailer down this w/e! Welding fenders, replacing the winch and painting...

As I indicate before, tight schedule, got go north on 7/31 to big waters!

Probably will not tear out the transom, may just take a belt sander and lots of paint to it, for now.

Wanted to get a feel for how big a task that was. If the old one would come out really easy, I could probably do it in a day or less, but if it comes out hard that's probaly a project for AFTER the vacation.

Herd of Valspar: is that a marine product?

Thanx again,
Ray L.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Transom Replacement in Open Boat (SeaNymph)

valspar is a paint company, and was well known for varnishes for wooden boats, Lowes now carries it.

 

[raylab]

Re: Transom Replacement in Open Boat (SeaNymph)

Stopped at a local goat livery on the way home to get a winch, strap and light kit. They insisted I needed Epoxy for the transom board at $40.00 a quart plus the primer at another $40.00 per quart! Yikes. Think I'll do a good solvent based acrylic for now!!! Getting way expensive way fast!!!

Ray L.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Transom Replacement in Open Boat (SeaNymph)

that will be fine.

 

[raylab]

Re: Transom Replacement in Open Boat (SeaNymph)

Replaced it this w/e. Wasn't going to but the old one was rotted. Made a 4 layer laminate: 2 layers of 1/2" composite board, aluminum stearn of boat, then a 5/8" plywood outer transom bd cut to fit. Used gorilla glue (wow, that stuff is strong!!!) on the composite sandwich with appr. 12 wood screws from each side and 24 1/4 x 20 bolts and locknuts through the stern plate to hold it all together. Haven't sealed them yet cuz I forgot to buy the sealant, but they are all above the water line...

Looks good and feels REAL stiff. Hung the motor on it before I painted everything and was real impressed. (Keep in mind that I am a total neophyte here...) Will test it out on the water afer the paint dries. Used Polyurethane based Porch n Floor with Solvent base grey paint on the outer transom board, a new battery shelf and Gas Tank board (thanks TashasDaddy!).

Will let you know if the motor fall off or anything else interesting...

Ray L.

 

[raylab]

Re: Transom Replacement in Open Boat (SeaNymph)

Worked out real well! No problems whatsoever. We had it on resevoir for appr. 6 hours, mostly at high end and WOT. Never flexed or dropped the motor into the drink! Even had some serious chop to deal with.

Thanks again to all!

Ray L.