Transom temp fix?

[croSSed]

Another transom question. This is my first post here.<br /><br />I just bought a 16' runabout outboard boat, a '78 model. I also bought an '87 Merc 115 to put on it that is being shipped right now. I took the boat to the local marina and they told me there was enough rot in the transom for them not to be able to put a motor on it. They wouldn't do it. They said it would cost $4000 to repair it. Forget that. That's at least 4 times what the whole boat is worth, but I'm determined to make this work, at least for this coming season. My thought was to use 1/4" aluminum plating at every point where the mounting bolts come through the transom to help strengthen it. A single piece would be bolted under and between each mounting bolt - one sheet on the outside of the transom that would go under the whole engine bracket, two to go on the inside of the transom - one to go under the two top mounting bolts, one to go under the bottom two mounting bolts underneath the drywell. In my thinking it will spread the strain to a wider portion of the transom, rather than just the little tiny amount that is represented by the washer under the bolt. Is this making sense? Would this be an acceptable temp fix? I was also thinking that if the transom does fracture, the aluminum plating would more than likely keep the whole thing from going to Davy Jone's locker. We could at least limp home, get the motor off the boat, and scrap the boat or repair it. I agree that the transom is rotten, but it isn't fractured and it is still fairly solid. I've seen worse dry rot. Thoughts?<br /><br />TG

 

[tengals123]

Re: Transom temp fix?

do a search on 'transon rot'<br /><br />cheers

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Transom temp fix?

I am NOT suggesting or recommending this as appropriate approach but I was in the same situation as you. My boat is 14ft and the motor is 40HP so the scale is different. However this is what I did and I am very confident in its integrity in my situation. The transom was actually bowed outwards about 1" and showed some flex when pushing down on the motors lower unit. Upon removing some hardware from the transom it was clear the wood was wet and soft in some places. I purchased a piece of 3/4 marine ply cut to the full width and depth of the inside transom area. I also purchased some 3/16" aluminum plate and 3"x2"x1/4 thick and 1 1/2"x1 1/2"x3/16" extruded aluminum angle. <br />Plywood on the inside with 3"x2" angle acting as full width top cap over existing transom and new ply. 3/16 alum plate on outside of transom cut 3" larger than motor transom bracket. Top two motor bolts pass thru 3" face of cap angle. On inside of transom I installed two 24" lengths of the 1 1/2" angle as "backing plates" for the mounting bolts. One for the top bolts, one for the lower bolts. The angles act as load distributors and also add a high degree of rigidity. When I remounted the motor and tightened the bolts the whole thing straightened up and is now rock solid. I plan on repairing the transom properly next spring but this is now the second season for my bandaid approach. <br />If you have ANY reservations about making temporary repairs I wouldn't do it. Too much at risk, both person and property.

 

[croSSed]

Re: Transom temp fix?

Rod,<br />Thank you for the post. This is helpful, but I'm having a hard time picturing in my mind what you have described. Could you send some pics to my e-mail so I can "get my head around" what you are describing? By the way, my transom as it presently is doesn't sound nearly as bad as yours. It still feels solid. Thanks again!<br /><br />TG

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Transom temp fix?

Hi TG,<br /> If it were my issue to deal with, I would consider getting another boat to get you on the water for this season. Then you can either sell the current boat, disclosing all issues up front, or park it until you can deal with the transom properly. A transom can "feel" solid and have all sorts of issues. Lots of boats out there, so unless the one you have now is "special" in some way (grandfather's fishing rig? a classic rarity? fond first date memories?) I'd look elsewhere for the near future...<br /><br />- Scott

 

[croSSed]

Re: Transom temp fix?

Scott,<br />Without telling the whole story, it IS special for various reasons.<br /><br />I just crawled under the drywell to check the transom with a drop light, screw driver (to probe in various spots) and hammer. The transom does have SOME rot in it, but it really is pretty solid. Tomorrow I'm taking it to a guy who can repair it to get his take on it. He gave me a quote of $1000 to $1500. I would pay that, but not the aforementioned $4000. I'd also consider taking the project on myself during the winter. In this boat, a transom replacement looks like a pretty easy job. The only question I have is about the stringers, and getting to the bottom of the transom below the floor joint.<br /><br />TG