Transom Stress Cracks

[johnnymo]

Hello,<br /><br />My 2004 24' 496 Mag HO with less than 35 hours has stress cracks in the transom. THe boat was built by a California custom builder. Is this serious and what would cause this to occur? This is my 4th boat and the 1st one with stress cracks on the transom. Thank you for yur feedback

 

[Solittle]

Re: Transom Stress Cracks

Welcome Johnny - Any chance you could post some pictures? Hard to give you any feedback from what you have given us.

 

[johnnymo]

Re: Transom Stress Cracks

I wish I had some pictures to post. I am at home in California and the boat, for the moment, is in AZ. The cracks are about 2 inches below the seam or rubrail on the starboard side of the transom. The cracks cover an area about 9 inches wide and 3 inche tall, like an oval shape. There also appear to some starting on the starboard side in the middle of where the drive mounts to the transom. This is my 4th boat and the first to have any stress cracks at all. I am curious if the stress cracks are a result of a weakness in the transom and if so, can the problem be properly repaired, short of replacing the transom or the entire hull. Again, this boat is 4 months old and has less than 35 hours on it. I'm sorry that I can't provide photos at this time. I will appreciate feedback I receive. <br /><br />Thanks

 

[johnnymo]

Re: Transom Stress Cracks

I forgot to mention that the cracks are deep enough to be felt to the touch.<br /><br />Again,<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Solittle]

Re: Transom Stress Cracks

Hard to say if (or how serious). Do you have a wty? Even if not I would be talking to the builder.<br /><br />An I/O should not have major stress on the transom.

 

[johnnymo]

Re: Transom Stress Cracks

Yes, the boat is under warranty. I guess I am trying to gain some kind of understanding of the seriousness of the issue prior to taking to the builder. From the little knowledge I have it seems that the strongest part of a powerboat must be the transom assembly and that stress cracks in a transom are an indication of a weakness that shouldn't be present. I just don't to be totally blind. Thanks again for helping

 

[Solittle]

Re: Transom Stress Cracks

If any part of the hull fails at the wrong time you got major problems. Strength is more important for larger outboards due to the high stress loads. For I/O rigs the major stress is with the motor mounts and thru hull for the outdrive.

 

[KCook]

Re: Transom Stress Cracks

Stress cracks are not necessarily from a weak structure. They are also common when the gel coat has been put down too thick, thin, or otherwise has not setup correctly. See what the builder says.<br /><br />Kelly Cook