how to repair transom on fiberglass boat

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 do I repair my boat’s transom?

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. Which method is best depends a lot on the design of the boat.

Should I add fiberglass to my boat’s 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. 2. Hardpoint Attachments:

What is the best way to remove a fiberglass transom?

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. Once the old plywood and putty are removed, make a template of the transom using cardboard, doorskin or cheap plywood.

How do you repair a fiberglass boat?

Apply your fiberglass boat cloth and use as many coats of resin as you need to get the job done. This repair includes a lot of hard edges, so you may need to overlap your layers of fiberglass at the top to get a good seal.

What is a transom on a boat?

How does an outboard motor affect the transom?

What causes a transom to rot?

How to laminate fiberglass skin?

How thick is a bevel on a fiberglass cut line?

How to measure fiberglass skin thickness?

How to prevent dimpling in fiberglass?

See more

Can you fix a fiberglass transom?

Label the pieces and dry fit them to the transom. Plan the cuts in each layer so the pieces are small enough to fit through the opening in the transom. Glue the layers in place. Replace the fiberglass skin and install new plywood core.

How do you reinforce a transom on a fiberglass boat?

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 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 I make my 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 much does it cost to have a transom replace?

How much to fix a wet transom. Repairing 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.

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 should a boat transom last?

RE: Transom life? IME, transoms do not have a particular life span. I know some wooden boats that were made 50 years ago that are still solid.

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 fill a transom?

15:1220:15$10 Boat - Filling the Transom Gap | EPS 9 | Shots Life - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then shove that in that crack. And then i'll cut strips of fiberglass. To go all around i'll putMoreAnd then shove that in that crack. And then i'll cut strips of fiberglass. To go all around i'll put a couple layers of that in there some finished resin. And go from there.

How thick should a boat transom be?

As for Thickness, 3 layers of 3/4" composite, skin,bonding laminates and tab layer should work out around 3 inches.

How do you fill a hole in a boat transom?

1:183:12How to Plug Old Screw Holes Below the Waterline in a Boat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis stuff works wonders give the screw a dip in the 5200. And then take the tube. Put it up againstMoreThis stuff works wonders give the screw a dip in the 5200. And then take the tube. Put it up against the hole. And give it a squeeze for some 5,200. Inside of that hole. We're simply going to replace.

How do you strengthen a fiberglass boat?

1:366:00How to Fiberglass a Boat - How to Build a Boat Part 7 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what we can do is you can take like an old shopping card mix up thickened epoxy. And pull itMoreSo what we can do is you can take like an old shopping card mix up thickened epoxy. And pull it through here like this make sure you pack it into the holes.

What is a transom saver?

The transom saver is a device that protects your boat's transom from stress or eventual damage from forces exerted on it by the weight of the outboard while you are trailering it.

How do you fix a broken 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.

How thick is a boat transom?

As for Thickness, 3 layers of 3/4" composite, skin,bonding laminates and tab layer should work out around 3 inches.

what fiberglass materials to use for transom replacement?

Hey fellas, looking at doing my first transom replacement. I kind of know the process and am descent with fiberglass but never did a boat. I am wondering how much poly resin, what type of cloth and other items I may need to replace the transom boards back in on my 16' nordic crestliner runabout...

How to Rebuild the Transom on a Fiberglass Boat

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.

How to Repair Boat Transom - Fiberglass Supply Depot Inc.

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...

What to do after you remove the wires from the transom?

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)

When to remove everything from a transom?

After you have pictures that you are satisfied with and maybe a few measurements , it's time to remove everything that is attached to and goes thru the transom.

How to make a hole in a boat hull waterproof?

Use a jigsaw to cut your hole coming from the outside where you already have a hole in the hull. Make sure you cover the inside of the hole with polyester resin too make it more waterproof.

Can you cut thru the hull of a boat?

You'll want to very careful you don'y cut thru the hull of the boat. It is very easy to do in this area as the hull is generally not very thick here. (I found out!) The type of saw I used to flush-cut along the transom and hull.

Can you cover the inside of a new transom?

Once you got the tabbing completed, you are now ready to cover the entire inside of the new transom with fiberglass.

Is marine grade plywood better than treated plywood?

Marine grade plywood is probably better if you have access to it, but i didn't have any nearby. Just make sure it's exterior grade if you don't have access to marine grade plywood. They also have treated plywood but i don't believe that is recommended for marine applications.

Can you rebuild a fiberglass boat transom?

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 is a fillet in a fiberglass transom?

A fillet is a radius of putty that allows fiberglass to make a turn around an angle. Fiberglass and 90 degrees do not fare well together. All inside corners of transom should have a round fillet.

What to use to remove old plywood core?

You must completely remove the old plywood core. 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.

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.

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 remove a 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.

What is a stitch mat for a boat?

Stitch mat or fabmat. Air bubbles (bubble wrap) Repairing the transom of the boat is a minor boat repair since the transom is the flat area located at the back of the boat. Repairing the transom is not that difficult if you have the right tools and equipment.

How to round out plywood on a boat?

After curing, flip the plywood and round out the edges using sandpaper or a sander. Make sure the edges are sanded properly for it to fit correctly on to the boat.

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!

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 hole in a boat hull?

To repair a hole in the hull, you may need to get some new core material. Try to match the new core material with the existing core material. Make sure the remaining core material is dry.

How long does it take to paint fiberglass?

The way you’ll do this is you’ll mix up a small amount of resin that you can successfully paint on over the fiberglass within about 15 to 20 minutes. This is about how much time you’ll have before the resin begins to dry and harden.

What are the different types of fiberglass cloths?

Some of these cloths include chopped strand mat, biaxial mat cloth, woven roving cloth, continuous roving cloth, carbon fiber cloths, and the list goes on and on.

What is the core material of a boat?

The core material is just the material that is encapsulated by the fiberglass cloth and resin. Core material on boats is usually balsam wood or a foam core. However, almost any material can become a core material.

What is fiberglass used for?

Fiberglass Basics You Should Know. Fiberglass is a wonderful material that can be used to repair all sorts of things. Learn how to work with fiberglass, and you can repair boats, vehicles, bathtubs, and many other items. You can even learn to create your own parts, canoes, and even coolers. An entire lifetime could be spent learning how ...

What is the best boat to own?

Fiberglass boats are arguably the best kind of boats you can own. They’re lightweight, fun to use, and easy to maintain.

How thick is boating fabric?

These weights will help determine how thick and strong the material is. Popular boating fabric weights are 10 ounces, 6 ounces, 4 ounces, and 1.5- ounce cloths. These fabrics are sold by the yard and generally come in widths between three and five feet.

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 does an outboard motor affect the transom?

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. 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.

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 thick is a bevel on a fiberglass cut line?

If the fiberglass skin is 1/8″-thick, the width of the bevel will be at least 1 ½” long.

How to measure fiberglass skin thickness?

After removing the motor and all hardware and trim, measure the fiberglass skin thickness at one of the holes through the 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. The distance of the cut line (and the bevel) back from the corner is 12 times the fiberglass thickness.

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.