how to access transom are for complete repair

just got through checking out the mako classic site. lots of info on transom repair. i am repowering with a johnson 225 on my v-20 fisherman center console. my transom will need to be replaced first though. i have done this before on a 14 footer but nothing ever requiring the strength for a 225. i have removed the rub rail and center console. now it seems that the cap of the boat is only held in by screws that were hidden behind the rub rail. can i pull these screws and get some friends together to pull the cap up and forward about 3 feet to access the rotten transom. if it is this easy to remove the cap, when i say cap i mean the part from the rubrail up and into the inside of the boat. can we just pull the entire cap off the baot and rest it in the grass????????? the mako guys just cut out the back of the cap but that looks scary. also i see all these different types of materials being use dfor the transom replacement. alot of people in the mako site are using marine ply. is this good . sounds less expensive. thats what i need. how much is a 4x8 sheet of 3/4 marine ply??anything helps thanks

it's easy to pull the cap on a cc console. just make sure you disconnect the wires for your lights and anything else that is connected to the cap. check out kens 1971 v20 cc in gallery..............as far as plywood for the transom, everyone has there own thinking of what to use. i used consruction grade plywood and gave it a coat of resin. i did plywood, layer of glass, plywood, layer of glass, plywood layer of glass. 3/4thick

[reelapeelin]

Jetties, I pulled the cap off mine this year...takes time, but not not difficult...I wouldn't think movin' it forward and outta the way would be a problem except you're gonna be dealin' w/a flimsy and long piece of fiberglass, so figure out a way to keep it straight once it's up from the hull... ;) :D...good luck and post some pics of before, during and after the work if you can... ;D...

thanks guys i had to go ahead and cut it. now im geting somewhere. i will put some pics up as soon as i can.

Hey Jet, I'm in the same boat with the transom. (Pun intended) Incase you didn't see it, there is a thread I started titled "PICS" last week and Reel gave some very good advice for re-attaching the cap. As for a transom core, I'm thinking I'll use the Coosa board instead of Marine Plywood. Some of those guys on the classic maco site have sworn by it and I've talked to a few others who recommend it. It's a bit pricey though. I think it runs (on average) between 150 - 180 bucks for a 4'x8' sheet. It's suppose to bit lighter and stronger than plywood as well as bonding better and wont rot! But I can't swear by it because I haven't used it (yet). When I do I'll post pics! Good luck with your project 8)