Hairline cracks

Tomasz

Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2020
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Age
54
Model
Sailfish
Hi
here are some pictures of my engine bay where meets transom
Statred about month ago
what should I do?.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0716.jpeg
    IMG_0716.jpeg
    2.2 MB · Views: 129
  • IMG_0717.jpeg
    IMG_0717.jpeg
    1.9 MB · Views: 117
  • IMG_0719.jpeg
    IMG_0719.jpeg
    1.8 MB · Views: 123
  • IMG_0720.jpeg
    IMG_0720.jpeg
    2.4 MB · Views: 118

seasick

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2008
Messages
9,530
Reaction score
1,420
Points
113
Location
NYC
What model boat and what model motors?
It is difficult to see the cracks in some of your photos but based on what I can see, he transom is flexing. The second pic is the more worrisome since behind that area on the port side is where a stringer bonds to the transom. Although I dislike the climb on the motor lower unit and bounce up and down, in this case that stressing may help you determine how much flex the transom is experiencing. If you visible see the crack opening or closing as you stress the rear, that is not a good sign. Are there any stress cracks on the outside of the transom?
You probably would benefit by having a fiberglass person take a look, tap around a bit and look for any evidence of a soft/wet transom core.
 

Hookup1

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
3,035
Reaction score
855
Points
113
Age
70
Location
Cape May, NJ
Model
Islander
Look at the rub rail to see if there is any cracking. If the transom is moving or swelling you will get cracks under there too. Does the aluminum bang cap look swollen?

IMG_2335jpeg.jpeg
 

Barbender

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2009
Messages
83
Reaction score
1
Points
8
Location
Vancouver Island
This looks like a Grady 272? Can you check the stringers in the transom where they connect? That would be a good indicator as well.
 

Tomasz

Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2020
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Age
54
Model
Sailfish
Thanks for your advice
It’s a 2002 sailfish 282
with twin 225 Yamahas
I have it stored on dry racks
I will this weekend have a closer look
The rub rails are good
Is the transom ply wood or synthetic?
Thanks
 

Fishtales

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2005
Messages
8,029
Reaction score
1,285
Points
113
It has greenwood xl as a core.
I'd rock the motors a tad and see if you see any flexing. Maybe have an experienced glass guy look at it.
You may be able to do a quick repair and watch it closely.
Likely heading towards a transom rebuild at some point. The wood likely will be solid but wet and delamination is a likely concern. Hoping for the best for ya.
 

Barbender

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2009
Messages
83
Reaction score
1
Points
8
Location
Vancouver Island
Thanks for your advice
It’s a 2002 sailfish 282
with twin 225 Yamahas
I have it stored on dry racks
I will this weekend have a closer look
The rub rails are good
Is the transom ply wood or synthetic?
Thanks

This is what you may find. In which case a transom rebuild is most likely on the agenda at some point.

Transom2.jpg
 

rmf4grady

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 8, 2023
Messages
45
Reaction score
9
Points
8
Age
63
Model
Overnighter
Agree with Fishtails, probably delaminating.
 

Tomasz

Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2020
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Age
54
Model
Sailfish
It has greenwood xl as a core.
I'd rock the motors a tad and see if you see any flexing. Maybe have an experienced glass guy look at it.
You may be able to do a quick repair and watch it closely.
Likely heading towards a transom rebuild at some point. The wood likely will be solid but wet and delamination is a likely concern. Hoping for the best for ya.
 

Tomasz

Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2020
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Age
54
Model
Sailfish
Thank you
I’m going over this weekend to access the issue and hopefully find a solution
in meantime I’m going to cover the cracks with gelcoat
Once again thanks to everyone who have given me advice
 

seasick

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2008
Messages
9,530
Reaction score
1,420
Points
113
Location
NYC
Gelcoat is very brittle. It will recrack in no time if there is any movement. For now just to keep water out, apply a sealant/caulk like Life Seal
 

Tomasz

Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2020
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Age
54
Model
Sailfish
I went to my local marine shop , they suggested a spray on elastic rubber
It’s flexible, robust weather tight
I got a can of raptor protective coating
I can only try , there other products available but it’s a band aid solution at the moment
Thank you for your advice
 

family affair

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2010
Messages
1,437
Reaction score
339
Points
83
Location
Ohio
Model
Islander
New Great Grady Sponsor opportunity?
maxresdefault.jpg
Maybe add it to the Grady transom sticky under maintenance?
Sorry, I'm being a little cynical today. This issue reminds me of a movie:
download.jpeg