Transom Rot??

[jsiwiec]

I am in the process of restoring a 1987 Marathon Weekender. When I removed the stern light assy. I found the wood in the hole was very wet and soft. The rest of the transom area is firm and hard when you bang your fist on it( inside and out ). It has since dried out a little when exposed to outside air for a while. Is this a sign of more problems in that area?

 

[Trent]

Re: Transom Rot??

Take a icepick and start picking around to check for more rot at the transom, check the stringers in the floor also..good luck.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Transom Rot??

i seen a product in a big marine store that suppose it change rot wood into good soild material.. but i can't recall the name of the product ... hope this helps you

 

[DJ]

Re: Transom Rot??

Joe38,<br /><br />I'm thinking your boat is fiberglass. If so, I would try to save what I have.<br /><br />To dry it out you'll need to get that water out of there. Find out how far the wood extends down the transom to the bottom of the hull. At the point where the wood ends, drill a couple of small holes 1/8" or smaller at the lowest point. (You may be able to do this inside the hull and let the water drain into the bilge.) This will allow the water to drain. It may take a couple of weeks. These holes can them be easily fixed with body putty or gel coat.<br /><br />Once dry, start poking around looking for the firmness of the wood. Also, be looking for the source of the moisture. You just might be able to save it. <br /><br />I had to do this very procedure on two Whaler Montauks. There were a couple of model years that cracks in the floor would allow water into the foam. These boats took almost two weeks for the water to stop dripping.<br /><br />Good Luck, let us know.

 

[singerjr]

Re: Transom Rot??

Grab bait you are right on you can get it at other plases too. It's an epoxy that can be injected into the wood rot with various length syringes it will end the rot and protect it from happening again.<br /><br />These products go by several names and have been around for ten or more years. They can be found at many of the larger hardware stores and big box home centers.<br /><br />I've used them myself repairing the sill on a house the only thing is you must fill the entire rotted area. With a transom that may be difficult. If you are very sure the main body of the transom is sound and still attached to the boat properly you could drill a few holes in the top of the transom to inject the epoxy. It will expand 10% you will see it come out the holes. Cut it off flush and make sure you seal those holes.<br /><br />A transom is nothing to quess about so make sure it is sound before repairing this small area around the light.<br /><br />Good luck

 

[singerjr]

Re: Transom Rot??

I was posting at the same time as djohns thats a great way to get it dry and to enaure the soundness of the wood.<br /><br />If it's still in good shape you could use those same holes for the epoxy. <br /><br /><br />

 

[jsiwiec]

Re: Transom Rot??

Thanks for all the input, boys. I did take an ice pick to the area and moisture actually oozes out when I poke around. Whats the best way to find out how far the wood extends down the transom?(and how far the water may have soaked in). I believe the source of this water is from where the stern light mounts. The boat sat for 10 years outside in harsh climates(South Fla. / Texas). The rubber seal around the light was dry/cracked and you could tell it had been holding water.

 

[singerjr]

Re: Transom Rot??

Well Joe with the boat sitting that long, if this is the worst of your problems your doing OK. <br /><br />I trust that you are going to bring this old girl back to it's former glory and put her back where she belongs, in the water and not in some old field rotting away.<br /><br />As for your question about finding where the wood ends, drill those weep holes djohns said and not only will you dry it out and have a place to insert the epoxy you will also be able to find out where the wood ends. I think if you use all the information provided you should fix the problem once and for all. <br /><br />Most important when you're done with the repair make sure everything is all sealed up good including the light!<br /><br />I hope you keep us informed of your progress and if you have any more problems I am sure you will be able to get advice from very knowledgable folks on this board.<br /><br />Good luck with your project