wood rot in Transom

[mikehite0325]

I have a 1988 four winns 211 liberator, As I was putting it all back together I found just to the right of my engine on the back wall about a one foot square spot where the swim deck bolt's on it is rotted under the glass. What should I do please help Thanks Mike.

 

[Danny_Ocean]

Re: wood rot in Transom

Same problem here. I removed the swim platforms and let the area dry out. Injected "Dr. Rot" epoxy, plugged the holes and will cross my fingers until next season when I plan on tearing out the engine & drive. <br /><br />The area surrounding the outdrive appears solid, so as long as I don't hammer the boat by jumping wakes all summer, I think I'll be OK.<br /><br />Remember, rot never sleeps. If you can do it now, remove the fiberglas/rot (from the inside...kinda like scooping out a melon) and repair. If the rot spreads, you'll need to rebuild the entire transom.<br /><br />D. Ocean<br />Pompano Beach, FLA

 

[inlet]

Re: wood rot in Transom

No easy solution. <br />The best bet is to remove all the rot,actually all the wood(likely plywood) from the transom and replace with new. Re-glass and check the stringers

 

[Danny_Ocean]

Re: wood rot in Transom

Here's a good article. The author is removing the entire transom...I'd try to save the outer shell.<br /><br /> Clik here: Transom Repair

 

[mikehite0325]

Re: wood rot in Transom

Hey Danny Ocean What is Dr. rot and where do I find it. I cut the section out and put a heat lamp on it, to get it as dry as possible. I was told to not even bother with putting wood back in there. But to build it up with glass.

 

[Danny_Ocean]

Re: wood rot in Transom

Dr. Rot is at www.rotdoctor.com. From what I've been told, plywood is an evil necessity in transom building due to its combination of rigidity, strength and flexibility. Glass alone is rigid, but doesn't have the torsional strength of plywood. If you're re-building only a small section of the transom, glass alone is probably OK.<br /><br />There are some "pour-in" transom products (http://www.transomrepair.com), but I'm going to rebuild mine with an old aircraft bulkhead.<br /><br />D. Ocean<br />Pompano Beach, FLA

 

[mikehite0325]

Re: wood rot in Transom

Hey Danny thanks for the info I'm an air craft mechanic, and the glass and resin we are using is of aircraft grade. The resin has aluminum in it and it is supposd to be stronger than using wood. I would like to talk to you and pick your brain would you please give me a call @ 801-698-1811 thanks Mike.

 

[Danny_Ocean]

Re: wood rot in Transom

I'm really not an expert on rebuilding transoms. My only experience is searching the web and speaking with local boatyards. Being an aircraft mechanic, you're probably way ahead of the game as far as. I noticed some aircraft bulkheads at a salvage yard one day and thought, based on their thickness and construction, they would make a good substitute for plywood in a transom.<br /><br />Talk with a local boat repair shop and see what they have to say.<br /><br />D. Ocean<br />Pompano Beach, FLA