wood transom on aluminum boat

[nigelbear]

I am replacing the transom and seats in a 16 ft runabout and was wondering if I should paint or stain the wood to protect it from moisture. I am using marine grade plywood 3/4 inchx2 for transom and 1/4 inch for seatbacks.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: wood transom on aluminum boat

Definately protect it. Stain won't do the trick. You can coat it with epoxy or at least paint it with a good weather resistant paint meant for outdoor use. Make sure any through bolts in the transom are very well sealed. Good luck...

 

[DJ]

Re: wood transom on aluminum boat

Ditto, JasonJ.

 

[stauter99]

Re: wood transom on aluminum boat

Wait, Wait. Paint it with epoxy, then a good grade exterior paint over it. Epoxy is UV sensitive, and wont hold up long in the sun unless it has a barrier coat.

 

[DJ]

Re: wood transom on aluminum boat

stauter99 makes a good point. If it is exposed, paint it. If not, don't worry, epoxy will be fine, by itself.

 

[nigelbear]

Re: wood transom on aluminum boat

What brand of epoxy do you guys recommend?

 

[JasonJ]

Re: wood transom on aluminum boat

West systems is fine, look on the internet for the best prices. You can check Iboats, I like USComposites.com myself. A good polyurethane paint would do the trick by itself or over the epoxy. My center console on my boat is wood, only painted with polyurethane paint and it has held up just fine in the elements. I have three coats on it.