What does the crack mean

[Papaw Mike]

I knew the damage was going to be great. The wood rot was total, includung the bottom 10" of the transom. What I didn't expect or even throught of is the fiberglass. In the pic of the side wall at the bottom it looks like the glass is broken. It is like this all the way aroung the boat. I do not know what gel coat looks like from the other side, so I don't know if this is gel on the bottom or glass or something else.

I also found the bottom 10" of the transom rotton. Above that point it seems to be good. If that is the case can I cut out the rot area and install good wood and reglass?

Thanks

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: What does the crack mean

In your first picture it looks like the fiberglass is coming apart. It's not gel coat. You should, in my opinion use epoxy resin and a couple layers of csm around the perimeter of your boat to get this area to strengthen up. As far as your transom goes, if your going through the trouble to remove 10'', you may as well do the whole thing. It will be stronger and trouble free for years to come. Good luck.

 

[Papaw Mike]

Re: What does the crack mean

Thank you I was hoping that is what was needed. I am going to show my ignorance. What is csm? I agree with the transom, it make better sense to do the job right the first time. If I miss any rot, I probably will be back doing it again in a year or two. Well this causes me to leave working on the boat so I can run AC to my work shop. This boat job is going to need a place to protect finish work and a place to organize the work so I don't waste time and money. Thanks again for your help. I should be back on the boat in 1 month. To run the AC I have to run it 150' from the house. Later, hope all has a good and SAFE holiday.

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: What does the crack mean

Chopped Strand Mat, or just mat. You may want to use both mat and woving roving in layers for extra strength. I'm no expert but that is what I would do. Good luck.