What should I do?

the454assassian · May 16, 2013

I have an 87 eagle fish and ski 17 ft with a johnson 140. The transom has a crack and I am not not sure how to proceed. I tapped on the back of the transom and it seems solid every where else. I don't know if I should pull the motor off and the top of the boat so I can get to the transom. Or remove the motor and reinforce the transom with some metal and lag bolts. I am not really sure what the options are or what I should do.

Without a care · May 16, 2013

Re: What should I do?

Hey assassian,
I am new to the forum myself so I don't have as much experience as a lot of the guys on here, but I'm sure they are happy to chime in. However, if it were me I would pull the motor off, and really assess the damage. The one thing I have learned is you never want to put a band aide on a broken leg. From the looks of it you already have a big enough issue that you have to take it out of service. I recommend biting the bullet and go all the way with it, replace the transom. Yes there might be some solid parts but putting some lag bolts through is just prolonging the inevitable. There are plenty of awesome threads that will show you exactly what you need to do to strip it down and build it right. When your done you'll at least have the peace of mind it's done right and will last you. Good luck.

redstrat · May 16, 2013

Re: What should I do?

That doesn't look good. If it were mine I would pull the motor and start taking a closer look. Something has obviously gone awry.

Woodonglass · May 16, 2013

Re: What should I do?

Uhhmmm, I'm pretty sure your transom is TOAST!!! If you go inside and drill some 3/8" holes about 1" deep into the lower regions of the transom I'm sure you'll find dark, damp wood shavings. There's only one way to fix it and that's to rip out the wet rotting wood and replace with new. Chances are the stringers will be compromised as well. If you like the boat and want to keep her, then you're in for a full restoration. We'll be here to help you all along the journey.