Transom replacement

[boaterjoe]

 

[boaterjoe]

Ok. I need to replace the rotten wood. Everything is welded and the only option I see is to cut welds and hopefully remove the braces. Then slide the wood down and put new one in. Then replace the braces . My question is would it be better to re weld or to use bolts?

 

[DaleH]

If it were mine ... I'd make 'smart' cuts as needed to then allow it to be bolted back together the strongest that I could. Those supports from the floor angled up to the transom are called the 'knees' and I'd keep them affixed to the floor, as with that side flange, you can then bolt them back in place up top to the new transom.

Simple way, once you get the 'top cap' out of the way:

New transom for tiny tinny

Ah well, they can't last forever now, can they? My transom on the vintage '78 12' Starcraft skiff was starting to show her age. I like this hull, with the way the ribs and chines were formed, she's as tough and stable as any 12-footer I've ever been on. The stern width was > 49" so I ended up...

www.tinboats.net

Now this post here may be overkill, but this is how I do replacement transoms and maybe it will give you some ideas.

New Transom – 1976 Starcraft ‘Holiday 15’ Model

Here she sits, a mint (for her age) 1976 Holiday 15’ model. All original and 1 owner, where the family is now on the 3rd generation enjoying the boat. The only issue is, the transom has now gone soft. The boat was in VA on any Army base, where they even have a boatyard and boat ramp to the...

www.tinboats.net

 

[Robert Smith]

If it were mine ... I'd make 'smart' cuts as needed to then allow it to be bolted back together the strongest that I could. Those supports from the floor angled up to the transom are called the 'knees' and I'd keep them affixed to the floor, as with that side flange, you can then bolt them back in place up top to the new transom.

Simple way, once you get the 'top cap' out of the way:

New transom for tiny tinny

Ah well, they can't last forever now, can they? My transom on the vintage '78 12' Starcraft skiff was starting to show her age. I like this hull, with the way the ribs and chines were formed, she's as tough and stable as any 12-footer I've ever been on. The stern width was > 49" so I ended up...

www.tinboats.net

Now this post here may be overkill, but this is how I do replacement transoms and maybe it will give you some ideas.

New Transom – 1976 Starcraft ‘Holiday 15’ Model

Here she sits, a mint (for her age) 1976 Holiday 15’ model. All original and 1 owner, where the family is now on the 3rd generation enjoying the boat. The only issue is, the transom has now gone soft. The boat was in VA on any Army base, where they even have a boatyard and boat ramp to the...

www.tinboats.net

Yes, transom can last forever, make pattern, 3 layers of ext. Plywood 3/4, glue together(gorilla glue, the foaming type) screw together, let set(week), scape off excess, mix fiberglass resin with hardner then cut 1/3rd with acetone then start coating with roller multiple coats, it soaks in good, as I said , multiple coats, quickly before it gels up, let dry and get hard. Waterproof forever, never rot. I've built many, Never had one go bad in 40yrs.

 

[Shootstraight]

My Jon was basically the same. I drilled out braces like your, this allowed me access to remove and replace new wood. I used regular ply as my thought was if I’m covering it with fiberglass resin I won’t need treated ply. I glued two sheets of 3/4 together (clamp and screwed). Then coated in resin, two coats letting dry overnight in between coats. Took several days as I only did one side at a time. I sand lightly between coats and used a brush. Don’t do it in the sun.

I also found an old road sign that I cut a piece of aluminum out of. Use that in the center where motor mounts so it wouldn’t compromise the resin.

 

[airshot]

When I have replaced a small boat transom, I havent gone as far as many of you have. I look at it this way...if it lasts my lifetime, then who cares...some of these transom builds are quite comprehensive, the transome will be there long after the rest of the boat has returned to dust !! LOL..

 

[Poormans Boatright]

Cut it all out and build a aluminum brace then weld a new sheet of aluminum plate. Get rid of the plywood. It will be stronger and last forever.

 

[airshot]

Great idea, but unfortunately, most folks don't have the acess, skills or equipment to handle such a task, therefor the plywood becomes the go to material. If done properly and stored properly plywood will last a lifetime or close to it.