Verify a rotted transom

[Shellsman]

Hello boaters,
I am new to the forum, have been viewing for months, You guys have been so much help so far on my new (to me) boat. Thanks!

I have a 1988 Sunray 19.6ft I/O w/5.0 Merc Alpha one outdrive(very simular to a Searay of the same year and Length). When I bought this boat I really didnt do that extensive of checking for rot. First I might Add we really love this boat, My wife likes its stability(our first boat was a 14 ft and very tipsy), and has enough power to pull my kids on anything.

I Have issues with the wood rotting. All wood in the seats side pads and wells is rotted. the floor is soft, so I'm planning on ripping up the floor and replacing it. I am now questioning the transom. There are areas on the transom that appear delaminated. I am an aircraft Mechanic by trade and have a pretty good knowledge of Fiberglass/composites. I took a screwdriver handle and did a tap test on the transom. I found areas Approx 8x5 in. on the left and right side of the outdrive that sound delaminated, and an area on the left side of the transom lower corner that sounds delaminated, about 10x6 in. in area. When tapping the sound changes from the other areas around the transom, thats why I say SOUNDS delaminated.

How can I verify if this is rot, and would Drilling and injecting resin to rebond the glass (if it is not rotted) be a suitable repair?

Thanks , I appreciate your help.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Verify a rotted transom

Although I can understand your not wantiong to replace the transom, probably due to your desire to not remove the engine ....but if there was that much other rot, chances are pretty good rot has at least started there and will continue. And you may very well find that your engine mounts and stringers are compromised as well. If you love the boat, it certainly sounds like it's worth fixing. Done properly it will be better than factory.

 

[RICHARD5]

Re: Verify a rotted transom

For a super tight waterproof repair to a drilled hole this is what I do:

use a drill bit 3/32 larger than a wood dowel. Notch the dowel to receive a wedge. Apply resin to the hole and dowel, insert dowel, drive wedge home in the dowel. Resin and glass the hole.

If the hole is through the transom you'll want something to buck the dowel to keep it in place (prevent it from sliding through the hole). A tapered hole is good (step drill or different sized bits from either side, filed smooth.)

I don't like the idea of pure resin, I want more structural integrity than that. But that's just me. I'm anal about doing things right.

I work mostly with hardwoods so I'm biased to that. I suppose a plug of solid PVC could suffice.

 

[JaSla74]

Re: Verify a rotted transom

Do the drill test, but if your deck & panels are rotted then I can almost guarantee your transom & stringers will be as well. Do your homework, you're in for a long haul.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Verify a rotted transom

The transom is shot.
But you'll be doing the stringers anyway so no big deal.
You're a A and P mechanic? , this will be a snap for you.
Get an engine hoist off craigslist, I see them for $130 all the time.

The guys are right, when its done it will be superior to factory built.
Mine took a few months but I found it enjoyable, now I find myself looking for another one to tackle.
One thing I found is tapping on the transom doesn't tell you much, once you start pulling the rot out you realize the futility, soggy wood sounds solid.

 

[Shellsman]

Re: Verify a rotted transom

Thanks for your advice guys, Looks like I'm in for a long winter project. I will keep you posted on how things go. I'm sure I will b seeking more advice as the project goes along.
Thanks again, I guess...