Protecting transoms from rot

[wlewis]

As suggested in a related post on transom/stringer rot, I agree that maintaining totally sealed stringers and transoms are crucial in preventing rot. Both of my previous Grady transoms required rebuilding. My 1984 204 probably leaked at the dealer installed swim platform and also from underneath the aluminum trim surrounding the motor cutout. My 1996 Gulfstream leaked around the stern lifting eyes and perhaps also around the bracket and swim platform mounting bolts. I'm anxious to do whatever is necessary to preserve the transom on my new bracketed Freedom 225 that has 16 through bolts in the transom. Are there any recommended periodic servicing procedures or any preventive maintenance ideas that will help to insure a sealed transom?

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

I am curious about this as well. Maybe backing out the swim platform bolts and resealing with 4200 or 5200? Unless that bracket is getting full of water, the mounting bolts there seem to be the last place to get rot, but I could be wrong.

 

[wlewis]

All of my transom bolts appear to have been sealed with 5200 at the factory. Since my boat is only two years old, I'd be hesitant to back them out now, breaking the seal and resealing them because I might not do it as well as the factory did, however, at some point in the future, I should probably do that. The million dollar question is, "when"?