Uh Oh; why is that wet?

[mciaio]

I was feeling pretty good about myself. I got my engine back together after installing a larger cam and hi-perf. intake manifold. The weather was nice and I was happy. Now to start installing the through hull exhaust; get out the 4" hole saw and measure twice. Start the saw and get halfway through the transome and I am starting to cut through what feels like wet cardboard. This can't be good I think to myself. I get the "plug" out and look at the cross section. The wood just inside the gelcoat is wet for about 1 inch in. The rest of the transom is dry. This happened on both sides. What the hell do I do now? Do I have any options for this hull aside from replaceing the whole transom? It's a 1988 Chaparral 2300/SX and replacing the whole transom is not going to happen. I just showed the plug to my wife and said "This is the last season we will be using this boat".

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Uh Oh; why is that wet?

Is the wood in your plug rotten or wet only? Does the "wet wood" smell musty? Curiously, where was the plug taken in relation to other transom openings? Unfortunately, it will never dry out. And the reason we know that is...it never has since the 1st time water gained access. A hole, a fitting, a screw-hole in a hull is a "kiss of death" waiting to happen. Boats have them, the factory puts them there, but and they MUST be maintained often. Boat manufacturers regularly decline warranty claims from damages caused by the (and so state in their warranties) installation of aftermarket accessories after it left the factory. Wet wood, even without rot, loses its integrity. I don't care how well it is sealed or with what material, holes in a hull will eventually leak. If the water intrusion was such that a factory installation created it, that's one thing and would be probably be covered under a warranty statement for a period. Outside of that, well....unfortunately you know the answer.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Uh Oh; why is that wet?

Jeez thats too bad, I mean it does not sound good being wet cardboard like.

Sounds like it could be a nice boat too ? Maybe post a picture.
Good luck on the sale.

 

[mciaio]

Re: Uh Oh; why is that wet?

My whole boat - http://ciaio.com/2300.jpg
Side view of plug - http://ciaio.com/side.jpg
Plug split open - http://ciaio.com/split.jpg

More info. There is no smell at all from the plug. No musty or otherwise rotting smell. There are no cracks, blisters or other indications of issues. There is a speedo and depth transducer mounted, which I assume are both factory installed. I trailer the boat and so did the previous owner. I have had it for 3 years and the previous owner had it for 8. I'm going to go and take one of the screws out for the transducer and see if any water comes out. This thing hasn't seen the water since Sept. 2009, I would hope it dry by now. Any thoughts on this? Any repairs possible?

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Uh Oh; why is that wet?

Sorry to hear that because it's a gorgeous boat. Whether it's worth repairing depends on a bunch of things. How long you've owned the boat, what the cost of repair is, how much you like the boat, could you get another boat like it for the cost of the repair, can you do it yourself, how long can you reasonably put it off, were you thinking of getting another boat for other reasons anyway, how much money do you have "sunk" in her already etc., etc., etc.

Rarely will any decision around such a cash intensive hobby as boating make sound financial sense, but some answers make more sense than others.

Why not start by getting some quotes and/or spend some time over on the resto part of the forum to see what diy transom repair entails. Be prepared for the possibility of soggy floors and stringers too.

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Uh Oh; why is that wet?

It's rather safe to assume that the boat owner installed the accessories on the transom. He may never have know it was taking on water; however. You do. If you're in a sell mode, how do you tell that person that stops by interested in buying? Look into repairs first. It really is a mighty pretty boat!

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Uh Oh; why is that wet?

you said you would hope it would have dried by now..... that is a fairly well sealed area..... how long does it take for the water in a bottle to dry up?

take a wet towel and lay it in the sun and wad another up in a plastic ziplock... even poke a few holes in it..... the first could dry in under an hour but the second will show almost no change (besides mold and mildew) in a year


I have a fiberglass swim platform that has wet wood in it..... I have considered connecting a vacuum pump to a hole in it and sealing up all others to boil the water out but I doubt that could ever be made to work without a rigid container to put it inside of....... would be especially tough on the transom because by the time you got into it far enough to seal it up on the inside you might as well just replace it.... honestly if it's only wet I personally wouldn't sweat it much... It will likely rot but it could be 20 years.. rot is caused by a fungus.... the fungus can't thrive unless the wood is wet but it also can't rot if the fungus isn't there.....

Now that doesn't mean completely disreguard it.... I would keep a close eye on it and would figure on replacing at some point but maybe not in the next year or two

 

[NYBo]

Re: Uh Oh; why is that wet?

Is that a layer of fiberglass in the middle of the core?

Regardless, with that much water in the plywood, rot is pretty much inevitable. The question will be locating all of it, and determining how to repair it.

Good luck; I agree with the others: that's a beautiful boat.

 

[mciaio]

Re: Uh Oh; why is that wet?

Yes, that is a second layer of glass in the middle. The transom has a approximately 3 foot square, second 1" layer of wood and fiberglass around where the I/O goes through the hull on the transom. I would assume this is standard boat building practice. That second, inner core is dry. I would also assume it connects to the stringers and seem not to be compromised. I haven't been out there since my discovery to do more investigation. I think the water is getting in from the drain plug, so I am going to remove that and see what happens.

Thanks for all the input and compliments. I do like the boat, but I was considering getting rid of it anyway. I really prefer a trailerable cruiser and might use this as an excuse with the wife to get a cruiser. I put the cam, intake and silentchoice in knowing I would only keep the boat for another couple of years anyway. I figured adding the stuff would make it a litle more marketable in the end.

I found a bank repo online that needs engine work for $6000. It's a $15,000 boat. Has no trailer, no canvas and the vinyl is probably wrecked. I was going to pick that up. Maybe I will in the fall if it is still available. It's a 740 Volvo DP.

Anyway, I have since calmed down since my first post in this thread. Structurally the boat is fine, I'm gonna dry it, run it and sell it!