Repairing Guides

how to repair a cracked transom

by Miss Elisabeth Walker Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Dry the Boat. To make any repairs to your boat or transom, you first need to get your boat out of the water and into a dry ...
  2. Check the Damage. Before you remove any parts of the transom or make any repairs, it is important to assess the damage on your transom first.
  3. Remove the Transom. Cut the deck section of the transom to get to its core. Use the crowbar or hammer and chisel to carefully remove the transom.
  4. Mark and Cut the Damaged Area. You then need to draw or mark the area where you need to cut the transom. ...
  5. Cut the New Transom. After removing the damaged area, use this piece as a pattern to create a new transom. ...
  6. Add Fiberglass. Once you are done cutting the two plywood pieces, you can now fiberglass the two sheets together. ...
  7. Sand the Edges. After curing, flip the plywood and round out the edges using sandpaper or a sander. ...
  8. Install the New Transom. When you are done sanding, place the new transom onto the boat and check if it fits. ...

Fill the crack with Terhi Fix and reinforce with a strip of fibreglass mat or glue a plate of ABS-plastic over the whole damaged area. Use screws (which can be removed when the Fix is dry) to mount the plate. Fill the holes and even the edges. Let dry.

Can a boat with a transom be repaired?

On a powerboat, this normally requires some repair and refinishing of the exterior skin beyond the transom corners, onto the sides and bottom of the boat. If the total area of fiberglass repair can be confined to the transom and not allowed to extend around the corners, the cost of cosmetic repairs will be significantly less.

How to repair a rotten transom?

If all you need to do is repair a small hole, then you do not need much to repair the damage. However, if the transom is already rotten, then you would need to more than drill holes. Cut the deck section of the transom to get to its core. Use the crowbar or hammer and chisel to carefully remove the transom.

What causes transom cracks on an outboard motor?

Outboard motors apply a considerable load to the transom. The effects of the motor’s weight are magnified when the boat is accelerated under normal operating conditions, and when the boat is bouncing along on a trailer. These loads are concentrated on the fiberglass skin and core where the mount is located. Over time cracks develop.

How do you remove a fiberglass transom core?

Even so, use a respirator to protect against solvent fumes. Moisture penetrates transom skin at fasteners, drains and cutouts. Operating loads and vibrations are concentrated on the fiberglass skin and core. Remove the damaged core by cutting through skin and taking it out in one piece. Remove the entire plywood core.

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How much does it cost to repair a boat transom?

between $2,000.00 and $5,000.00In boat repair circles it is a job for a professional yard — tear the old transom away and replace it. This is usually estimated at a cost somewhere between $2,000.00 and $5,000.00 or more depending on the size of the boat.

Can you replace part of a transom?

Transoms are usually replaced from inside the boat. This means removing all the internal structure, seats, and tanks, etc. so you can work on the transom. If the boat is an I/O, that means removing the engine.

How do you repair a fiberglass boat transom?

1:4037:14[EP11] Fibreglass Boat Transom Replacement From The OutsideYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo firstly traditionally you would go you would remove a transom from the inside you'd cut awayMoreSo firstly traditionally you would go you would remove a transom from the inside you'd cut away everything from the inside that way you can keep the outer hull of the boat.

Can you fill a transom with epoxy?

11:2814:39Boat Transom and Floor Rebuild - Using the Epoxy ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFull of mixed up epoxy resin or you can use polyester if you're just coding wood for sealantMoreFull of mixed up epoxy resin or you can use polyester if you're just coding wood for sealant purposes. Yeah you'll you'll take these and you'll just coat along the edges along the top you want to make

What is the best material for a boat transom?

Coosa Board is high density polyurethane foam with reinforced layers of fiberglass. The result is a material equally or superior in rigidity at a fraction of the weight of plywood. It is truly the premier decking & transom material in the marine industry.

What type of plywood is used for transom?

"marine" plywood is rated as such because of its lack of voids and water resistant glue not because it can be exposed to water. you still have to seal it with resin or it will be toast in short order. the water resistant glue will not matter as you are going to encapsulate it in glass and epoxy.

How do you reinforce a fiberglass transom?

Apply epoxy to the edges of the outer fiberglass skin of the transom and over the heads of the screws holding the skin to the plywood, and lay a strip of fiberglass cloth over the epoxy. Once the fiberglass has cured, repeat this step until four layers of fiberglass and epoxy have been applied.

How many layers of fiberglass does a transom have?

Because the opening in the transom is smaller than the plywood core required for the repair, you will need to replace the core in pieces involving 3 or 4 layers. Multiple layers are required so the butt joint or joints in any given layer can be staggered and isolated from joints in an adjacent layer.

How do you seal a boat transom?

1:2912:56Sealing and Mounting Transom Replacement for my 12 Ft ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn a cooler full of water and it's a hundred percent impermeable. So I've demonstrated in the pastMoreIn a cooler full of water and it's a hundred percent impermeable. So I've demonstrated in the past how this works on hatches and boat parts and sealing the wood and making it.

How do you fill a transom hole?

1:463:12Boating Tips: How to Plug Old Screw Holes Below the Waterline in a BoatYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn your boat. Make sure you have a rag handy because the goop gets everywhere. You just want to wipeMoreOn your boat. Make sure you have a rag handy because the goop gets everywhere. You just want to wipe. Away your excess. Real hard and right on your boat. Next screw give it dad.

How long do transoms last?

On to fabricating the replacement transom: Most, if not all wooden transoms in smaller boats are made of plywood. From the looks of the transom in this boat, I would estimate a typical transom will last about 20 years or so before they need to be replaced.

Can you fix a rotten transom?

Repairing A Rotted Transom One method is to use a product like Git-Rot from BoatLIFE. This two-part liquid epoxy fills and restores the dry rot inside the wood using capillary action to penetrate it without drilling it full of holes. You can inject Git-Rot directly into the wood for more thorough penetration.

Can you fix a rotten transom?

Repairing A Rotted Transom One method is to use a product like Git-Rot from BoatLIFE. This two-part liquid epoxy fills and restores the dry rot inside the wood using capillary action to penetrate it without drilling it full of holes. You can inject Git-Rot directly into the wood for more thorough penetration.

How much is a transom assembly?

Bravo Transom assembly is roughly $2,500 and other parts/fluids could easily be $500 more. Outdrive has to come off and the engine has to be removed.

How long do transoms last?

On to fabricating the replacement transom: Most, if not all wooden transoms in smaller boats are made of plywood. From the looks of the transom in this boat, I would estimate a typical transom will last about 20 years or so before they need to be replaced.

How do you replace a wood transom?

9:2625:49Aluminum Boat Transom Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMy old transom on there as a template and drawing it out and then of course my pencil point breaks.MoreMy old transom on there as a template and drawing it out and then of course my pencil point breaks. Getting another pencil.

How to repair a boat transom?

Step 1 - Dry the Boat. To make any repairs to your boat or transom, you first need to get your boat out of the water and into a dry dock or a raised platform. This is to give you more access to the transom. Allow the transom to dry completely before you can start repairs. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day.

How to fiberglass two sheets of plywood?

Once you are done cutting the two plywood pieces, you can now fiberglass the two sheets together. Cover the exposed side with the fabmat or stitch mat. Place the air bubbles on top of these. Make sure that the air bubbles are laid out flat. Allow these to cure.

Do you need to repair a transom?

Before you remove any parts of the transom or make any repairs, it is important to assess the damage on your transom first. This is to help you determine how minor or major your boat repair is going to be. If all you need to do is repair a small hole, then you do not need much to repair the damage. However, if the transom is already rotten, then ...

What causes a transom to rot?

Moisture penetrates the plywood core, leading to delamination and eventual rot. Moisture can also penetrate the transom skin at hardware fasteners, around drain holes and I/O cutouts. These factors have a cumulative effect on structural failure. When the transom loses its stiffness, so does the outboard motor.

What is a transom on a boat?

Transoms are major structural parts of fiberglass powerboats, especially outboards. Transoms not only support the weight of the motor, they maintain the shape of the boat, they are a mounting point for holdowns, towing eyes and other accessories. And, they must be able to let water out of the hull, without letting it back in.

How thick is a transom?

In other words, use four layers of 3/8″ or 6 layers of ¼” plywood to build up a 1½”-thick transom instead of three layers of ½”. Be sure to fill any voids in the plywood edges with thickened epoxy after the panels are cut into shape. Make a template of the transom and use it to layout the plywood layers.

How to laminate fiberglass skin?

If your fiberglass skin is unusable, plan to laminate a new fiberglass skin over the core with multiple layers of fiberglass and epoxy. Apply them one layer at a time until the same skin thickness is achieved. Subsequent layers can be applied immediately or while the previous layer is still tacky. If the epoxy is allowed to cure beyond being tacky, allow it to cure overnight, then wash the surface with water and sand the surface to prepare it for more layers. Laminate the new skin so it extends to the edge of the 12:1 bevel that was machined earlier on the outer edges of the transom. Install the biggest patch first with each layer being progressively smaller to fill the 12:1 bevel. For additional information on laminating a large new fiberglass skin see Section 4.3 of Fiberglass Boat Repair & Maintenance (free download).

How many times does a bevel back from the corner of a fiberglass cut line?

The distance of the cut line (and the bevel) back from the corner is 12 times the fiberglass thickness. A 12-to-1 bevel allows room for multiple layers of fiberglass fabric and epoxy across the cut line to restore strength to the fiberglass skin.

What determines the bevel length of a fiberglass transom?

The fiberglass thickness determines the bevel length which is also the distance from the corner to the location of the cuts for removing the fiberglass skin. As mentioned, the cut line will be located to allow the outer edge of the bevel to end before the corner of the transom.

How to prevent dimpling in fiberglass?

This prevents dimpling in the fiberglass skin which would require considerable filling and fairing later. Apply auto paste wax or cooking spray to the washers or plywood ahead of time to allow for removal later, or apply a layer of plastic sheet over the fiberglass skin before applying the plywood cauls.

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