Is the transom bad already?

[willy]

Find out how far the wet or rotted wood extends by doing what MJ said first.
If is bad out past the cracks more than just around the engine bolt holes do not do the metal plate remedy. A metal plate will only be as strong as what it is bolted to.
It is way to risky.
Sorry about your trouble and I hope you get her repaired one way or the other soon, but whatever you do, do not go on the water again with it like that, God saw you and yours in safely, say thank you and act accordingly.

[draglink]

I would say it depends on how bad the flex is. My transom had some flex in it but no cracks. The PO had put an aluminum plate inside the splashwell, almost all the way across. I added a huge plate outside just for peace of mind- I figure I can get at least 3 seasons out of it (found the source of water intrusion and sealed it). I have NO FLEX at all and the thing is solid as a rock now.

I painted and trimmed the plate outside to match the hull

[Destroyer]

Draglink, I gotta admit that's a really purrdy repair. Nicely done!!

RW, actually I think that adding a stiffiner plate would be a good idea, as long as the wood it's going into is solid. In fact, I'd do what several others have said and add one inside and outside the transom...make a sandwich of the broken area.

[draglink]

Thanks Destroyer! I dont think anyone who doesnt know I put it there even notices.....the key was the aluminum trim I put on to match the original transom. Also I was pretty lucky, when drilling the holes for the bolts I got some good wood coming out

[bgreene]

We're talking cracks....... I was thinking more like spider cracks.....hair thin lines where the gel coat flexed a little.

For cracks, as in openings in the transom - I totally agree - it's compromised and requires significant repair.

[Shrek]

Here are the pictures of the cracks.

[phatdaddy]

no bueno