Re: Transom replacement
 

You can use screws to hold things toghter while it drys, but they MUST be removed !!

Re: Transom replacement
 

OK, any idea why? Just curious.

Re: Transom replacement
 

screws will rot and or corrode from the moister in the wood. Also so will allow moister to get in around the screw.

Re: Transom replacement
 

Even stainless screws?

Re: Transom replacement
 

I removed some of my screws. Didnt want to install something, drill a hole and hit a screw. :-/
But also left a few in, counter sunk, glassed over on both sides. Shouldnt be a problem.....I hope.

Any more work on the transom...Pics. ???

Re: Transom replacement
 

I would think that as long as everything was glassed in well it shouldn't be a problem for at least 20+/- years. ???

Re: Transom replacement
 

Let me tell yah . . . The more rot the easier it is to remove!! Consider yourself lucky!!

you can get brass wood screws at ACE for under $20 a box or just use cheap drywall screws.

Leave the screws in there and laminate over the heads . . . as long as they don't stick out you're fine. That transom will last longer than the boat. If you want to be extra careful . . . you could remove them and fill the holes, but I don't think it's necessary. Screw and glue

Don't worry about getting the wood template perfectly to the edges. When you dry fit all the core . . . You can have 1/2" gap . . . just buy a big bag of Cabosil (aerosil) from composites one (10lb giant dog food bag is under $40 . . . and maybe some choped fibers) and mud the edges. Then you can laminate your skins . . . if you use multiple layers of ply wood (like 3 or 4 sheets) wet out both sides before you stick them together.

Re: Transom replacement
 

Thanks for the suggestions. I did get a few tubs of cabosil to bed the core. I will try to remove the screws as I go, I was only going to use them to help my three 1/2" sheets of ply make the transom curve, just didnt want the laminate to come apart if I remove them prematurely. If I left them in they will be covered by 4 layers of mat and 4 layers of biaxial glass (not in that order) and sealed in epoxy.

Re: Transom replacement
 

Good info there BigShrimpn! That is exactly what my glass guy did on my '73. ;)

Re: Transom replacement
 

Have no idea what you guys are talking about. Post alot of pix so I can understand. ;D