Transom integrity
 

Hi all, my quest continues...have looked at quite a few boats over the last several weeks.
I have noticed on some of these OB powered boats, there is an aluminum cap on the top edge of the transom (sorry didn't get a pic) that is often split, even though the transom itself appears solid.
Is this split aluminum trim piece an indication of more serious issues or is this common?
The aluminum piece does not appear structural at all, and the transom otherwise appear solid (rubber hammer, ice pick, visual inspection).
Thanks, Bill

Without a pic it's really hard to accurately understand what you mean, however, I would say, (as a general rule of thumb) that if there is a split in any aluminum cap look under it. If the fiberglass under it is sealed (both sides and top) then there should be no worries... it's purely decorative. However, if the fiberglass under it is not sealed (fiberglass sides and bare or painted wood top) then yes, there is the potential for a problem and further investigation needs to be done. In all cases you need to see what's under the aluminum cap.

Thanks destroyer...it appears that the thin aluminum cap is OE as I have seen it on various model year Steplifts we have been looking at. Pretty much all of them the alum is split/torn.
I have seen some other where the transom is clearly water logged.
On every Steplift we have looked at, this thin alum strip has been cracked.

Then again...maybe they all need transom work!

Tx, Bill

Here is a pic of the aluminum piece, if you zoom in you can see there is a small split;

These can crack from improper installation as well. Most transoms are not a 90 degree angle like typical angle stock. When you screw the top down tight and then do the same for the leg on back side, it puts stress on the corner along the length. This will cause it to crack immediately or in a short time. 'L' angle, as it is commonly called, is usually 6061 T6 or 7075 T6 aluminum. They are strong, however, very brittle. Add vibrations of a running engine and will cause all sorts of extra stress. I believe these are to protect edges of transom from being easily damaged.

That piece of trim is the achilles heel of many outboard boats, not just Wellcraft but Grady White and others.

When they build the hulls the transoms are full. For outboards, they cut away the transom for the outboard configuration, exposing the plywood. They build the boat in two pieces (hull & cap). The cap covers the transom but is not joined to it. Instead of taking another day of production to glass over the open seam(and exposed wood), they slap a piece of aluminum trim over the edge with 5200 & some screws or rivets. Over time the seal is lost and water soaks the transom.