Transom Rot....How to correct/repair...

[Solomon_Man]

All,
I have a little 14ft SmokerCraft that I use for fishing and cruising. The outboard gem powering the boat is a 18hp 1953 Fastwin.

Anyways last summer\Fall I repainted the transom...
The transom was in desperate need of paint as the previous owner did not do it prior to my purchasing it the year prior.

I noticed some spots where the outboard tie downs pushed in the wood but was still solid and a section in the transom about 2 inch by a foot long where the top layer of wood\plywood was coming loose/bubbled.

I got some DAP WeldWood Resorcinal Glue two part that I accidently ran across at a local restore shop very reasonable. It was new and appeared to be within expiration (sticker) and the can said it was marine grade. Being ignorant, thinking it could be used as filler, I applied to the spot let dry, lightly sanded the transome, primed, and repainted with good below the water paint. Everything looked great.

Anyways upon inspection this summer, after a ohio winter in a cold garage, I noticed that the 2 inch by a foot area cracked several times through the paint and my nicely painted transom will need most likely a removal of the old DAP WeldWood and a repaint.

Is there anything out there that can be used to fill in a maybe a 1/16 to a 1/8 inch of missing wood on the transom (total area 2 inch by 1 foot) and then a prime\repaint?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Transom Rot....How to correct/repair...

First, you are better off doing surgery and replacing the wood entirely

The hardest and strongest substance you can use if epoxy and cloth but, since you would have to buy that I would not band-aid it....... do it right. You are not talking about a huge job.

 

[Solomon_Man]

Re: Transom Rot....How to correct/repair...

Bob_VT,
I have thought about replacing the transom entirely...It appears to be a project but very doable. The main issue for not tackling is time of year (boating season) and the fact the transom appears to be "structure" solid at this point. Meaning no leaks or apparent softness through the transom....so more cosmetic then structural.
With that said....
I do actually have Fiber Clothe and Epoxy sitting from another boating project...when I redid some floors and gelcoat for my 1959 Lonestar. Is this a patch that may hold for a year or more until I replace the complete custom deck at which time the transom may be added to the winter project list.

How would I go about this correction clean old paint/filler area down to wood, apply epoxy to the small area,clothe small area,epoxy level coat, light sand, primer, and repaint?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Transom Rot....How to correct/repair...

Grind out the old and re-fill and build it up. Should last you the season at least until you can do it right.

 

[Solomon_Man]

Re: Transom Rot....How to correct/repair...

Grind out the old and re-fill and build it up. Should last you the season at least until you can do it right.

Bob_VT,
Thanks for the information!

I will start reading on the transom redo over the summer to see the complications.

Thanks
Chris