What to do with the transom?

[wiesmanr]

I am fixing up a 1965 Alumacraft Bel Mara and have the floor already pulled out. I plan on sealing the hull with Gluvit inside, install a new floor, and repaint the outside. My question is if I should replace the transom. It looks to be in very good shape from what I can see. Should I just recoat the transom with some spar urethane, or should it get replaced? What is all involved in replacing the transom? How do I get the brass water drains above the splashwell out so I can remove the transom boards?

 

[wiesmanr]

Re: What to do with the transom?

ttt

 

[bgc]

Re: What to do with the transom?

If ya already have the floor out, might as well replace the transom… Looks like some rot has started.
To get the brass drains out, just cut them. There is a neat flaring tool for placing new drains in the transom. I found one at Amazon.com and Jamestown Distributors carry them.

 

[wiesmanr]

Re: What to do with the transom?

How hard is the transom to remove? Are they adhered to the aluminum at all or is it just a matter of removing the corner caps and drains, unbolting, then pull the board out? Thanks

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: What to do with the transom?

You can make your own flaring tool...

Tansom in aluminum boats is usually not adhered to the outer skin of the boat. If you remove all the mechanical fasteners, use a chisel to knock down the lip of the drain tubes and punch them out the wood should come free. For the new transom coating it with epxoy and then several coats of Spar Varnish will make it last for decades. Lowe's carries Araucao plywood which is 7 ply ext grade with minimal voids, that uses 100% waterproof glue in its plys. Good stuff to use for a transom. If you don't want to use epoxy, just coating it with several coats of Spar Varnish and makeing sure to ALWAYS coat any and all holes and fasteners with 3M 4200 sealant will make it last 10+ years.
The edges of the plywood is the most important part to make sure they are sealed. Pay close attention to them. If you keep her covered, in the off season, even longer.

 

[wiesmanr]

Re: What to do with the transom?

What kind of epoxy should I use? You coat with epoxy first, then Spar varnish? Thanks

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: What to do with the transom?

www.USComposites.com sells some great stuff. I like the 3:1 medium set. With Pumps. Most common Epoxy has no UV protecton so that's why it's important to follow up with the spar varnish that DOES have good UV protectants in it. Or you can use a good quality oil based paint to paint it too!!! I kinda like the look of the natural wood, but that's just me!!!

 

[wiesmanr]

Re: What to do with the transom?

Do I need to add any fiberglass in, or just the epoxy? Also, if the wood already has Spar varnish on it, do I need to sand off the spar before applying the epoxy, or will the epoxy adhere over the spar?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: What to do with the transom?

Just the epoxy is fine. If you go the f'glass route you'd want to use a wax-free polyester resin too. Most folks find the epoxy easier, if not cheaper to use and the Spar Urethane/Varnish works pretty dang good too and you can see the wood grain, if you you're into that. You'll also need to use stainless steel hardware dipped in 3M 5200 marine caulk/sealant to mount the transom and for any other accessories you may need. It's a little gloopy but cleans up with a bit of acetone. You can get a toothpaste sized tube from Lowes/HD for about $7. That's really about it; Non-Pressure Treated lumber sealed in any of the ways given and Stainless Steel hardware throughout. Good luck. Keep us posted.

 

[wiesmanr]

Re: What to do with the transom?

I plan on keeping the boat around for a really long time. If I put on numerous coats of Spar and coat the hardware with the caulk/sealant, I would be ok? I already have been coating the new floorboards with Spar. The boat will be pulled out of the water, dried out and covered whenever not in use and then stored away under roof during the offseason. Thanks

 

[kfa4303]

Re: What to do with the transom?

The epoxy/f'glass route are great and will allow the transom to out live you and the Zombie Apocalypse, but the materials are kind of expensive and hard to track down. For your uses, you should be find with the Spar urethane alone. You may want/need to give it a light sanding and apply a new coat every few seasons, but it should last you a long while and you can always go pic up some more at the local lowes/HD, rather than having to order it, or go to a special marine supply store.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: What to do with the transom?

Here's the deal. IMHO you only want to do this once. You can't get to the back side of the transom wood unless you remove it. Water and condensation WILL get back there and over time can/will start to work on the wood if it is not fully and adequately protected. It will take several years for this to happen but it will happen. If you are going to take the time and effort to pull it out, I would think it would be worth the additional time and effort to use the best materials you can to ensure that if your grandkids want to use the boat, it will be usable for them. Using epoxy and making the extra effort at this time will make that possible. Like I said before you can use the Varnish and or Oil Base paint if you want but you will be back to do it again just not sure when that will occur. It's really just a matter of your personal choice and preference. A 1/2 gallon jug of epoxy delivered to your house from USC will run about $60 bucks.