Replacing transom core only

Mulv80 · #1 09-13-2005, 11:05 AM

Why can't I dig out the old transom core with a chainsaw, and then epoxy a new core in from the top of the transom? I have never seen anyone do it this way.

macojoe · #2 09-13-2005, 11:57 AM

There are people who have done it!! There is a member here who has done it!!
Just have to make sure you get all wood out!!! and dry it out first!!

http://www.transomrepair.com/

Mulv80 · #3 09-13-2005, 12:08 PM

Maco, I've been to the Seacast site and I think that stuff is a little to pricey. I measured the amount I would need according to there formula and I would need 15 gallons. Seacast will cost around $600. I was looking to replace the core with 2 sheets of 3/4 inch marine plywood epoxied together then droped into the hollowed transom and epoxied.

Franco · #4 09-13-2005, 12:12 PM

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE SURE YOU GET FULL COVERAGE AND HOW ARE YOE GOING TO CLAMP IT. $600 IS CHEAP COMPARED TO YOUR OUTBOARD FALLING OFF!!!

Mulv80 · #5 09-13-2005, 12:19 PM

I have pretty good access to the sides of the transom and figured if I can cut a good template and get a good dry fit I would be able to apply a thickend paste of epoxy to the core replacement and literally wedge it into position.

Blue_Runner · #6 09-13-2005, 12:38 PM

I'd be afraid of leaving voids. Plus, how you gonna get the right curve on that plywood ??? I'm afraid it sounds risky to me, but I don't do that for a living either so I really don't know enough to say whether its a good or bad idea. My hunch is that its not a great idea.

macojoe · #7 09-13-2005, 01:45 PM

Like BR says, it will not work!!

You need to have a solid I mean solid transom before you start bolting a 400 pound motor on it!!

If you have any voids they will crack the glass on that transom and thats not going to be good I promise you!

You will also have to get the wood to bend in toward the boat about 2 inches on each side!! How you going to do that??

$600?? Go to your local mariner and ask them how much and how long it will take to do your transom over? You will think that the $600 is such a deal that you will wonder why you ever question it!!

Do it right!! or you will be on the bottom of the ocean faster then you can yell HELP!!

Stinky_Hooker · #8 09-13-2005, 02:13 PM

I am in agreement with the others. I have rebuilt transoms on other boats in the past and that IS NOT an area to skimp on. :o

Do it right!!! ;D

Blue_Runner · #9 09-13-2005, 02:52 PM

5 years ago a local guy wanted $1500 to replace the transom on my 1968 17ft runabout....sooooo, I did what any cheapskate would do - I fabricated a loathsome "heavy metal" repair that carried me through the last 5 years. And, it cost me $1475 less that that guy quoted me ::)

Also, I just went through exactly what MJ said. I had voids in the transom on my '72 V20 due to faulty repair. It only took about 2 weeks to put a nice big crack in the outer skin. The wood core was fineMade me sick enough to spend $800 having someone cut the skin off, fill the voids, grind out the joints, and get it right. $600 is sounding better and better if you ask me! She's solid now!

But hey, don't be discouraged, that's what this board is for. We all keep each other from doing something stupid and wasting time and money ;D

If my wood had been no good, I'd have went with seacast without batting an eye.

Skools Out · #10 09-13-2005, 03:18 PM

Hey i just cut out the soft area in my transom with a chainsaw. But use an electric chainsaw and use it with NO bar lube or oil. They make a pentrating resin for that and then you pour it in with 1/2 holes drilled in the bottom. it will run out just pour it back in till it stops running out. The use a flexable epoxy in the voids. It is stong and won't crack but will still get hard as a rock. I've used it before it's great. I've seen it used in other boats as well and it is super strong. I bought mine from Parker Boat Company for right at $20 a gallon with hardner. That is what Parker makes there whole transom out of. I have a neighbor that works for them so i get it through him. It is a Poly Resin and is about the same thickness as Diesel fuel. Works great thought and you don't have to remove all the wood, just take out whats rotten or soft.