Transom Swells about half an inch

[billfish16]

The Transom on my 1982 V20 swells about 1/2 inch when it goes in the water in the Spring then shrinks back 1/2 inch over the Winter while covered on land. The Sheet Metal Cap on the Transon Cutout that is on either side of the OB is stretched out and does not appear to shrink back to what was the original thickness. I am going to take that sheet metal cap off and at least cover it back up with a new sheet metal cap, lots of 5200 and or fiberglass. I have drilled a few holes in the transom over time and used lots of 5200 in the holes so I do not think water is coming in from them. Anyone one know what I should be looking for when I take that cap off, other than wet rotton wood? How do you know if it is repairable vs replacing the entire Transom? Do I just re-cap it and use the boat until the engine falls off?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

Billfish16

[Airslot]

Check out Boomsurf's thread under performance. MJ just posted an snswer that fits here.

Airslot

[brianct12]

Bill,
You might not see much wood when you remove the cap. At least on the later 80's boats I have seen, Wellcraft wraps fiberglass (and gel coat) up and over the top of the transom notch. Only a small separation exists - between the fiberglass skin of the outer transom and the inner liner. Your situation doesnt sound good and the damage is probably already done. However, if it were me, I wouldnt take any action just yet. Keep a close eye all the time ... and look for signs of weakness and deterioration of the transom (cracking). Force the issue - have someone stand on the motor L/U and look for flexing or movement - inside the bildge and out. I wouldnt consider repair work unless you see some actual signs of damage. However, if you use your boat offshore most of the time - maybe that warrants repair.

[macojoe]

I disagree! If that transom is bad, you might just find out when the motor is in the water!!

Wouldn't be the first time a motor fell off a bad transom!

Or be like whopper who found his boat sunk on the dock, cause not sure of yet, but was needing a Transom before the sinking.

Do this, grab the lower unit and lift with your hands, try lifting the boat off the ground and move side to side.
I am betting that there is movement!!

Next take a drill and drill some small 1/4 holes in a few different areas of the transom.

Clean looking wood come out the hole, Good

Back wood coming out the hole, Bad wet wood (replace transom soon)

DIRT coming out the hole, All is lost!! Replace transom ASAP

You might find some good wood near the top, the bottom is were the real dirt will be!

Good Luck!

[msbhammer]

I have an 86 v-20 and I removed the cap, no wood could be seen. She was wrapped tight in fiberglass.

[reelapeelin]

Billfish, your transom sounds like it is due for rebuild if it's swelling like that ... do drill-test MJ said and go ahead and find a good fiberglass repair shop; get references and check them out ;) ...

[msbhammer]

Take Pics. for us. ;D ;D NOW >:( ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[Stillrunning]

Replacing the cap is not going to help your problem it will only cover it up for a little time. I would do as others said and drill a few test holes under the water line and see how the wood looks and leave them open for a couple of day to see if any water comes out. I replaced my transom about 5 yrs ago by taken the boat apart (removing the inner shell) and it was not that bad of a job. The repair can be made from the inside of the boat and you don't have to tear up the outer shell. If you find it needs replacing and would like to know how we did the repair let me know.

[parishht]

Stillrunning, if you have pix of the repair, I'll bet most of us would like to see how you did it.
I know that I could learn a few things from a post like that.

[Mulv80]

Hammer wants to see pics of shrinkage ;D