How to Rebuild the Transom on a Fiberglass Boat
- Take Plenty of Pictures First! Before you get started make sure you take a few pictures of your transom from numerous different angles.
- Now De-Skin it! ...
- Now the Fun begins! ...
- Create a Template to Cut Out the New One. ...
- Getting it Ready. ...
- Glassing it Onto the Hull. ...
- Filleting and Tabbing. ...
- Cutout Your Holes. ...
- Cover The Inside with Fiberglass. ...
Full Answer
How to replace a transom?
Transom Replacement With a Plywood Core
- Prep Work: Before beginning demolition: Take measurements of all the parts around the transom; fiberglass thickness of outside skin, plywood thickness, inside transom skin thickness, stringer location, string ...
- Gain Access to the Transom. The first step is to gain access to the transom. ...
- Removal of Old Plywood Core. ...
- Install New Plywood Core. ...
- Fill Gaps. ...
How to reinforce a boat transom?
Step-by-step Guide in Reinforcing Fiberglass Boat Transom
- Things that you need to do before removal of the damaged transom. Before dismantling damaged parts, you have to take measurements of the parts around the transom. ...
- Getting into the transom and core. It’s time to get rid of the rot! ...
- New core installation. The new core should have a similar thickness to the original plywood. ...
- Refining your work. ...
- Tabbing. ...
How to rebuild a boat transom?
entire inside of the transom. The next step in the rebuild is the removal of the old plywood core and inside fiberglass transom skin. You will need access to the entire transom plus at least 12" up the side and bottom of the boat. Depending on the boat's construction, you may be able to remove the deck cap, or you may need to make a cut through the
How to fix a rotted transom on your boat?
Repairing Fiberglass Powerboat Transoms - Epoxywork
- The process taken to Refit the Transom back on to the PVC tubes. 1. Zodiac Transom and transom fittings which were removed by hot air gun. 2. ...
- um jon boat with a wood transom that needs replacement means possibilities, such as making the transom taller to accommodate a long-shaft outboard. ...
- Joined Aug 2, 2010. ·. 1,084 Posts. #5 · Aug 1, 2017. ...
How do you reinforce a fiberglass boat 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 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 cracked transom on a boat?
RE: Cracks in Transom I would open up the crack and seal it off. After you do that, you can gelcoat or screw a nice piece of aluminum on top of the transom. You might also want to remove your motor and see if there is any moisture in the bolt holes going through the transom.
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 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.
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.
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 do you rebuild a boat transom?
0:4713:13Complete 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 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 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 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 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 replace a rotten transom?
2:1917:19Replacing a Rotted Transom Part 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAbout here's the subfloor here's the edge of the subfloor and here's the the transom. Right here soMoreAbout here's the subfloor here's the edge of the subfloor and here's the the transom. Right here so we're going to cut above this subfloor.
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 repair a wooden transom?
2:2517:37HOW TO REPAIR AND REPLACE A WOOD TRANSOM - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo i'm gonna have a layer of three-quarter pvc a layer of three-quarter pvc i will put them togetherMoreSo i'm gonna have a layer of three-quarter pvc a layer of three-quarter pvc i will put them together. And then i'll put a layer of aluminum on the inside. Now the pvc in the wood.
How do you fix boat rot?
3:574:50An Education in Boat Rot, and how it is almost never easy to fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMethod most of them use plywood is there is there Center stringers. And those rot out the quickest.MoreMethod most of them use plywood is there is there Center stringers. And those rot out the quickest.
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...
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
