Transome

[Justvisitingthisplane]

How do I know is my transome is ok or if I need to replace it? <br /> Ok here it is. I bought this cuddy, and it has sat in my driveway, I noticed that the transome was bulging. So after removing the motor, and looking at it, They filled in the flat top of the back edge with silicone, and it sat in a warehouse for a year before I bought it. And the wood was soaked, I removed the silicone and some of the soaked wood, covered it and let it dry. So here it is a year later and the wood is still moist, I scraped some out with a flat head and can see water moving. Pulled out the heat gun and spent a hour, heating from the bottom up, careful not to bubble up the fiberglass. And got the top edge somewhat dry. I covered it in case of rain.<br /> So can anyone tell if I did the right thing? and what should I do next?

 

[Twidget]

Re: Transome

Bad news, its a goner.

 

[Justvisitingthisplane]

Re: Transome

it is only the 3 inches below the edge I drilled it till I hit dry wood. But it goes the entire length of the back. Can it be saved?

 

[epresutti]

Re: Transome

Aj000023,<br /><br />When I started my rebuild I thought I was going to be able to save the transom, I thought I had hit dry wood (and I did), the problem was there was dry and then wet and then dry, etc.<br /><br />The transom was made from layers of plywood nailed together then glassed, so water was finding its way along the seems and then "puddling" and "soaking" where it could. I started the repair, then discovered more pockets of water.<br /><br />For my own piece of mind and to make sure I had a solid transom, I replaced the entire thing. Now I know exactly what is there.<br /><br />My suggestion would be to replace it and be sure.<br /><br />Peace.<br /><br />emp.

 

[bayman]

Re: Transome

Due to the nature of plywood, like Ed says, the water could be all over the place in some layers.<br /><br />My question is...how big is this transom? Are you talking about a cuddy with a 3 ft. transom and only the top 3 inches are known to be bad?<br /><br />Is this an inboard or outboard boat?<br /><br />If this is a small transom then replacing it is sounding better and better.<br /><br />If it's an outboard boat, replace the transom without thinking about it...even if only 3 inches are damaged. That's because an outboard only needs a few inches to hang onto and if those 3 inches are bad then your engine call fall right off.<br /><br />If an inboard boat and only 3" are bad then there is a chance that proper repairs can be done.<br /><br />In summary, it doesn't sound good. However, I might do some more exploratory drilling. There is a possibility that the rest is good (although unlikely).<br /><br />If the rest is good you do have some options but as I'm sure you know, you don't want to lose your transom anywhere...especially on the water.

 

[Justvisitingthisplane]

Re: Transome

It is an outboard, It is a 3ft.and the some of the layers of the wood have separated with the fiberglass, mine are not screwed together, I think they were pressed. I have no idea how to replace a transome, but I am working on becoming a plumber... If that gives you any idea of my skills..The boat is fiberglass with some wood in the frame, I had to replace the wood floor and the transom is spongy at the top edge where I had to remove 2 "of rotten wood. And I got a hair line crack around the back, any way to upload a picture? I can take a few if you would look at them? My email is Angelocatd@aol.com

 

[Justvisitingthisplane]

Re: Transome

Not Nailed either, Atleast I haven't come across any yet

 

[alden135]

Re: Transome

There is a product called Seacast that you can buy. You have to remove the old wood,clean, then pour in the stuff. Isn't cheap though.

 

[epresutti]

Re: Transome

AJ000023,<br /><br />You should be able to replace it yourself. There are multiple threads here in this forum on all the steps.<br /><br />In short.<br /><br />1) Remove old transom, leave outside layer of glass, leave about 4" perimeter inside layer of glass. Make sure all old wood is removed.<br /><br />2) Make new transom, if 1 1/2 " use three layers of 1/2 " (easier to bend if you have to). Dry fit!<br /><br />3) Glue/screw/laminate (your choice) layers together, while they are dry fitted. Once secure, remove from transom.<br /><br />4) Mix up fome filler (resin w/thickener), fill gap in transome so that when you press the new transom wood into place the filler squeezes out from the gap.<br /><br />5) Smooth squeezings. So they taper the 4" gap.<br /><br />6) re-glass transom, on the side you cut out obviously , overlapping the 4" piece, you can turn the inside corner if you like.<br /><br />7) Sand, Gelcoat, remount hardware.<br /><br />8) Go boating.<br /><br />Peace.<br /><br />emp.