how to repair a fiberglass transom

^{Fiberglass Transom Repair}

• Step 1: Before beginning removal: Take measurements of all the parts around the transom; fiberglass thickness of outside skin, plywood thickness, inside transom skin thickness, stringer location, stringer thickness, etc ...
• Step 2: Gain access to transom skin and core: The next step is to gain access to the transom so you can remove the rot. ...
• Installing the new core: If you are changing anything about the design of the transom (higher engine mounts, enclosed transom, bracket, etc...) you may need to make adjustments to the ...
Before final glassing of core: The gaps between your new core and the sides/bottom of the hull will need to be filled with putty. ...
Tabbing unto the hull bottom and sides: The next step is the tabbing of the transom core to the sides and bottom of the hull. ...

Full Answer

Can You rebuild a transom on a fiberglass boat?

Rebuilding the transom on your fiberglass boat is no easy task but unfortunately it must be done on many older boats, usually due to rot in the plywood core. In this article (and Video) I'm going to show you step by step how to remove your old rotten transom and replace it with a new one.

What are the benefits of fiberglass transom reinforcement?

When transoms are milled, they often leave a lot of weak spots in the fiberglass that can compromise how well the boat will hold up over time. Fiberglass reinforcement will strengthen these weak areas and help you avoid costly repairs down the road. 2. Hardpoint Attachments:

Can a damaged transom be repaired?

Once you have determined that there is damage, there are a couple approaches you can use to repair the transom. Access to the damaged core is required and is normally attained by removing the fiberglass skin from either the outside or, if possible, the inside of the transom.

What is the best way to reinforce a boat transom?

In addition to fiberglass reinforcements, hardpoints are an excellent way to reinforce the boat transom as well. Hardpoints allow you to bolt your engine on firmly and securely, which will help out a lot with any rough water riding.

How do you repair a transom on a fiberglass boat?

0:5613:13Complete Transom Rebuild, Step by Step How-To! Part 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou got to disconnect. All the pieces and parts run the boat itself you got to remove the motorMoreYou got to disconnect. All the pieces and parts run the boat itself you got to remove the motor remove the jack plate in our case it has a jack plate.

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.

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.

Can you repair a cracked transom?

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 you fill a transom with epoxy?

Treat any wood left inside with CPES™. Cut new wood and treat with CPES™ and insert into transom, clamp/epoxy-glue it to the back of the transom, fill in all gaps with either the Fill-It™ epoxy filler or a putty-mix of the L&L Resin™, and then re-glass the inside. It's real work.

How do you make a transom stronger?

4:2213:05SUPER STRONG Transom Support Build - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere. So to tie these top tubes into this corner bracket system that i'm building i've got someMoreHere. So to tie these top tubes into this corner bracket system that i'm building i've got some heavy wall inch and a quarter pipe which is just a little bit bigger than the diameter of these up top.

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 much does it cost to repair transom?

$3,000 to $10,000Repairing a transom is a laborious exercise that can range from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the vessel size construction and tradesmen used for the task. There are many techniques in placing a transom.

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.

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 fix a soft transom?

1:425:04HOW TO REPAIR A SOFT TRANSOM - quick and easy fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we're gonna mix it up we're gonna pour it inside the transom. And if it's leaking out we'll putMoreSo we're gonna mix it up we're gonna pour it inside the transom. And if it's leaking out we'll put duct tape over the spots it's leaking this is apparently gonna dry as hard as rock we'll.

How do you check a transom on a fiberglass boat?

4:4211:515 ways to Inspect the Transom of your Project Boat, Cheap ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut what you want to do is you take a hammer. And you just wrap the back of the transom. And itMoreBut what you want to do is you take a hammer. And you just wrap the back of the transom. And it should sound real tight. And firm and this should bounce. Back.

How do you strengthen a fiberglass boat?

1:0913:24DIY FIBERGLASS BOAT BUILD (Reinforcing the hull with 1708) Part ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd a little bit more strength because this whole boat was made with I think like one or two layersMoreAnd a little bit more strength because this whole boat was made with I think like one or two layers of 24 ounce woven Rovin.

How do you reinforce a Gheenoe transom?

4:5611:07Rebuilding Transom on Gheenoe with Plywood and Fiberglass - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what i did was i measured the base of the transom. And then i added four inches on each side. SoMoreSo what i did was i measured the base of the transom. And then i added four inches on each side. So i can cut the biaxial cloth so that it can wrap around the corners just to reinforce.

How thick is a transom on a boat?

1 3 Transoms thicker than 2% in. (60 mm) must be relieved to a maximum thickness of 2% in. (60 mm) down 1/2 in. (13 mm) below the top on the inside surface of the transom to accommodate steering components (if stern brackets contact top of transom).

How do you Fibreglass over plywood?

2:464:21Fiberglass and plywood lamination. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you have applied the thin layer of resin to the plywood. Place your fiberglass cloth onto itMoreOnce you have applied the thin layer of resin to the plywood. Place your fiberglass cloth onto it and allow the resin to soak into the clock.

Step 1: Before Beginning Removal

Take measurements of all the parts around the transom; fiberglass thickness of outside skin, plywood thickness, inside transom skin thickness, stri...

Step 2: Gain Access to Transom Skin and CORE

The next step is to gain access to the transom so you can remove the rot. Each boat will be a little different, sometimes you will have to cut the...

Before Final Glassing of CORE

The gaps between your new core and the sides/bottom of the hull will need to be filled with putty. After filling the gap, using the same putty, you...

Tabbing Unto The Hull Bottom and Sides

The next step is the tabbing of the transom core to the sides and bottom of the hull. For tabbing, use 1708 Biaxial fiberglass tape. This tape is s...

Take Plenty of Pictures First!

Before you get started make sure you take a few pictures of your transom from numerous different angles. That way once you are ready to start putting it back together you can check your pictures to see where everything was located.

Now De-Skin it!

After you have removed all the wires, blowers, and "stuff" from the inside of the transom, it's time to de-skin it. I did this with my flush cut saw. (same saw I used to cut thru all the tabbing throughout the entire boat)

Now the Fun begins!

If your transom is completely rotten it shouldn't be too hard to remove the old plywood and get to the hull. But in my case only about the bottom half was rotten and the top half was still pretty solid. If that's the case it is harder to remove that solid plywood.

Create a Template to Cut Out the New One

Once I had the old one completely removed and sanded down, I took 2 pieces of thick paper or thin cardboard (Not sure what to call it) that we had lying around. These were the "cardboards" that they put on top of a pallet before they shipped stuff.

Getting it Ready

My plywood was already sanded on the flat surface, so I only had to sand it on the edges. I also measured and cut out the other pieces that got added to the middle of the transom and near the top corners where the U-bolt tie down anchor bolts went thru.

Glassing it Onto the Hull

First I cleaned both the hull and new plywood transom. Then I mixed up about a quart of the Marine Grade Polyester Resin. (Mix according to directions) First I "wetted" both surfaces with Polyester Resin. Then I mixed up another quart and mixed in Cap-O-Sil to make my "glue".

Filleting and Tabbing

I let this cure overnight before I did any filleting or tabbing it in. About 24 hours later I started this process.

What tools do I need to repair fiberglass?

A reciprocating saw, grinder, hammer and chisel, flat prybar are good to have. If you have an air compressor, a small air hammer with a wide flat blade is a good investment. Be careful to not inflict damage to the outside fiberglass skin.

What is a fillet in a fiberglass boat?

A fillet is a radius of putty that allows fiberglass to make a turn around an angle.

How do I laminate two pieces of plywood?

To laminate two pieces of plywood, first coat the faces of the plywood that will be glued together with un-thickened epoxy resin. This is a thin coat of epoxy, just enough to let the face of the wood soak up a little epoxy. While this epoxy is still tacky, mix a batch of epoxy glue.

What type of tape do I use for tabbing?

For tabbing, use 1708 Biaxial fiberglass tape. This tape is stronger than traditional woven tape due in part to its fiber orientation (45/45 degrees). It is also very easy to work with, wets out easily, and is epoxy compatible. Use multiple layers of the 17 oz Biaxal tape, the amount will depend on the particular boat.

Can you laminate a boat core?

It is generally easier to laminate the core outside the boat and bond it into the hull once, but on very large transoms this may not be possible due to weight and difficultly in handling.

10 Reasons Why You Should Reinforce a Fiberglass Boat Transom

1) Fiberglass boats can be built with thick hulls and thick bilges, but the transom is usually much thinner than the rest of the boat.

10 Ways on How to Reinforce a Fiberglass Boat Transom

Adding fiberglass to the transom of your boat is very important. When transoms are milled, they often leave a lot of weak spots in the fiberglass that can compromise how well the boat will hold up over time. Fiberglass reinforcement will strengthen these weak areas and help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

Some Tips and Suggestions

1. Fiberglass can be worked on with certain solvents. You’ll want to use the safe ones, not the nasty ones like acetone.

How Can I Strengthen My Old Fiberglass?

Fiberglass is relatively cheap and easy to install, but there are some weak points in all fiberglass components. For example, fiberglass hulls crack when they are improperly installed or when their supporting structures fail. Also, as your boat ages, the gel coat finish may loosen and allow moisture into the wood core of the fiberglass plating.

Can You Replace the Transom on a Fiberglass Boat?

Yes, you can replace the transom on a fiberglass boat. However, the fiberglass work and painting details will be left to a professional. Replacing a transom on a fiberglass boat is a job best left to a professional. You must have the right knowledge and experience to replace the transom. If you do not, you may end up with a boat that leaks.

Conclusion

Fiberglass transom reinforcement is a standard and simple process that anyone can do. It’s an easy DIY project that will increase the life of your boat. If you don’t have any experience with fiberglass, we recommend getting help from someone who does so it doesn’t turn out to be more difficult than necessary.

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 ...

Outboard Motor on Fiberglass Boat Relies on the Transom

The boat’s transom carries the substantial weight of an outboard motor. It even increases when the vessel accelerates or bounces on the trailer. At the same time, the fiberglass skin and core where the mounting takes place bear this weight.

Step-by-step Guide in Reinforcing Fiberglass Boat Transom

Before dismantling damaged parts, you have to take measurements of the parts around the transom. You have to jot down the exterior skin of fiberglass thickness, interior skin thickness, the location and thickness of stringer, and more. Keep the records for later reference.

Takeaway

It’s a must to look after your boat as it’s an expensive investment. I hope this guide on how to reinforce a fiberglass boat transom will help you immensely in the future. Share this article to help others and you may leave a comment to share your experience. It’s great when boat owners help each other in taking care of their vessels!