Transom Seal / Water in Bildge

[rybad]

I have a 1989 Four Winns 285 Vista. She has always maintained about 4" of water in the bildge since I had it (about 5 years). In the past, I asked the local mechanic about it, and he said it wasnt a big deal. Lately, it seems that there is a little more than usual. I was considering changing the transom seals, but wondering how big of a job is it (like do I have to pull the engines). I routinely pull the outdrives for maint. each year, and I have replaced an engine before, so I'm familiar with that, but just wondering what I need to do.

Also, is there a way to check the transom for rot? Or is it just a visual, manual inspection?

Thanks.

 

[rob85546]

Re: Transom Seal / Water in Bildge

Im far from a boat expert, but let me tell you my opinion... I would think there should be that much water in the bilge, and if there was that would bother me until i fixed it..

well On my 87 Mercruiser there was about 4 inches of water in the bilge.. anyways at home I had the wife spray with a hose all around the outdrive while I looked from inside with a flashlight... Ah found it..... On the bottom of my out drive there are 2 bolts that go thru the transom.. the bolts have annodes on them.. Well it was seeping thru there, I took them out and one of them was corroded pretty bad.... put new bolts in problem solve, bilge dry now.....

 

[Bondo]

Re: Transom Seal / Water in Bildge

Ayuh,....... It would be Nice if you'd just mention exactly What motor,+ drive you have,.........

Basically,......
The 1st step in dealing with a boat Leak is to Find It,.......By Whatever Means Necessary......

Just Guessing will co$t you Ton$ of Money,+ Time,.... Wa$ted.......

Btw,.......Usually,.......
If you Find that it is in fact the transom assembley that's Leaking,.......
That Usually means the transom is Rotten,+ Collapsing.......

Find a convienent Mirror,+ tape it to a stick,.. Toss around some babypowder,+ Starting Lookin'.........
Good Luck.......

 

[rybad]

Re: Transom Seal / Water in Bildge

I have twin OMC Cobra/5.7 engines.

I understand about finding the leak.. but how do I know if the transom is rotting inside? I knocked on it, and it sounds solid as compared to the rest of the hull. The mounts "seem" to be solid, and I take my drives off every year to service (of course the bell stays on, so I probably wouldnt notice)

A semi-friend of mine is a marine surveyor, and he has some kindof "sonar" device that I guess is used to check hulls when he is doing a survey. I may ask him to check it, but feel funny about asking for a favor (I've only known him a short time), and I dont know what it would cost if he charged me to do it. It's not that I mind spending some money to check it, but just wonderend if theres a simple "home remedy" way to check.

Is it possible that the transom seal is just going bad, and the transom would be OK? Although I would hope that is the case, it doesnt make sense. I have a feeling that if the seal is already bad enough to leak into the boat, that the damage to the transom is already done, or at least started to the point where its going to cost some $$. (It makes me mad that a boat machenic that I trusted made me feel like its not a big deal!! .. live and learn..)

 

[searay3]

Re: Transom Seal / Water in Bildge

Finding the leak is step one. Your logic about a rotten transom is solid. If the seal is leaking, the transom has issues. You can use a oring pick or other small sharp object to pierce the inside of the transom and see. Usually right around where the transom shield bolts in and around the bottom where the drain plug is. If it's rotten, the pick pushes in quite easily, the fiberglass will easily peel away and you may even see some water drops coming from the little puncture. Leaking around the shield is not a good sign. Follow Bondo's advice and isolate the leak before going in and messing around with the transom.

 

[rybad]

Re: Transom Seal / Water in Bildge

OK, well I followed your suggestions. I was able to peel away some of the outer fiberglass that look like is was spidering. It is definately rotting. In fact, even tough the boat sat in drydock for 6 month (im in Michigan).. the wood underneath is actually "wet". And I was able to press a screwdriver into the wood somewhat will moderate force.

Obvisouly this is not good for me.

So here is my next question, if anyone here has experience this, what is the approximate cost to repair this.. I understand it depends on a ton of things. But I have the tools, equipment, and knowledge to pull my outdrives and engines. I'm thinking my best bet would be to pull all that myself, and take it to a fiberglass place to have the transom rebuilt.

I'm thinking I can save a ton of $ by pulling and reinstalling the engines and drives myself, but does anyone have any kind of guesstimate of the repair?

Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Transom Seal / Water in Bildge

I'm thinking I can save a ton of $ by pulling and reinstalling the engines and drives myself, but does anyone have any kind of guesstimate of the repair?

Ayuh,...... I doubt anybody Here will have an Estimated Cost,......
'ell,... Around here We all to the whole Kit & Kabootle by Ourselves,......

Take your troubles on over to the Boat Restoration Forum,.......
Lot's of Guys doing the same job over there,....
If you can manage the motors,+ drives,.....
The rest is Easy..............

 

[Coors]

Re: Transom Seal / Water in Bildge

The rest is Easy..............

Lol

 

[Phish555]

Re: Transom Seal / Water in Bildge

See pics under thread titled "Engine Mounts" to see what 4" of water in the bilge does. I cant believe the mech said no worries about it. Mine was leaking at the 2 bolts with the anodes on them that pass through the bottom of the transom assembly.
Im in the repair stage.