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Can a boat transom be repaired?
While it is a pretty complicated job, replacing the transom core isn’t impossible. 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.
What is the life expectancy of a fiberglass boat?
Fiberglass Boats Last 10 – 25 Years And Up. On average, fiberglass boats last around 10 to 25 years. But, the life span can vary from 3 years to as high as 50 years, depending mainly on how often the boat is subjected to regular maintenance and where it is used saltwater, brackish waters, or normal water.
How do you test transom strength?
Look for any signs of transom bowing or deformation. Look for any signs of the motor mounting bolts and washers being pulled into the transom. If the customer knows his boat, he will not have any issues with you to tug up and down on the bottom of the motor with the motor tipped fully up.
How long do transoms last?
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 I know if my transom is bad?
Typically you will see the transom flexing under power, or flexing when applying pressure to the outboard (by hand). You may also see large stress cracks in the corners where the transom meets the sidewalls. For fiberglass you could take a core sample using a hole saw to see if the inner wood is wet and/or rotted.
How do I know if my fiberglass transom is bad?
How do I stop my transom from rotting?
There are a few best practices to treat your transom wood:
- Wait for the ideal temperature—between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. At about 70 degrees, the applied Git-Rot will solidify overnight, boosting the wood’s strength.
- Inject the Git-Rot into the wood’s end grain whenever possible.
- Inject into dry wood.
How do you reinforce a transom on a boat?
How to Reinforce a Boat Transom Measure the thickness of your transom. Remove the top rail of the transom with the screwdriver. Use the hammer and chisel to remove all the wood reinforcements and the fiberglass core. When you are finished, your transom should have the appearance of an empty envelope, waiting to be filled with reinforcing material.
How do you repair a fiberglass transom?
Use the drill to drill the appropriate holes through the plywood, as indicated by the access holes in the outer transom skin. 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.
Why is my transom rotting on my fiberglass boat?
The most common problem with the transom on a fiberglass boat is the rotting of the wood sandwiched between the inner and outer fiberglass. The best way, not the easiest or cheapest, is to remove the inner fiberglass and replace the wood. The inner panel is then glassed back into place.
How thick should a boat transom be?
Most transoms are 1 1/2 inch to 2 inch thick. Cut as many sheets of plywood as are necessary to fill the transom void and fit snugly. Use the palm sander to rough up the the fiberglass inside the transom void and the surface of the edges of the first sheet of the cut marine plywood.