Transom Rebuild - The Saga Begins

[Fishtales]

Hi,
Still in the queue (not happy about that). I made some noise to get the process going. Bang plate was removed and the joint actually looks pretty good.
I didn't have to sign anything yet and GW is in the loop. Will keep folks posted.

 

[mr_mbuna]

Do you have a photo of your joint? Here's what mine looked like. I had no bulging around the cap, just lots of corrosion.

 

[HTHM]

Do you have a photo of your joint? Here's what mine looked like. I had no bulging around the cap, just lots of corrosion.

View attachment 19858

Why the heck wouldn't that be encapsulated at time of build? Makes no sense to me. Is there a Grady White rep on here that could answer that question?

 

[Sdfish]

Just wanted to add the pics from my transom cap before and after. We could start to gather a pretty good data set on this to help others.

There was a noticeable bulge on mine, it may look like they over tightened the engine bracket. Not sure.

I just used thickened epoxy to cover the gap and then used a stainless bang plate to finish it up.

 

[Pat Hurley]

Do you have a photo of your joint? Here's what mine looked like. I had no bulging around the cap, just lots of corrosion.

View attachment 19858

That’s a good sign (no bulging). Did you put a meter on it ? You gonna glass it or just replace the aluminum?

 

[mr_mbuna]

That’s a good sign (no bulging). Did you put a meter on it ? You gonna glass it or just replace the aluminum?

A surveyor measured low moisture in June when I bought the boat.

I had the transom cap glassed over. My pro is reworking the gelcoat color match a bit but you can see below how it now looks functionally.

It was $500 to R&I the engine. I could have replaced the aluminum piece with the vinyl part Grady uses today for no extra - they were willing to send it to me as a customer goodwill warranty claim. Or I could have a stainless steel piece custom made for $400 extra. I chose to have it glassed permanently for $1000 extra.

 

[Pat Hurley]

That looks great !
boggles the mind as to why it’s not finished like that in the first place.

 

[igblack87]

@Fishtales any word from the glass shop? Pictures? Picking up my boat April 30th!

 

[wlewis]

Fishtales, what year model is your boat?

 

[Fishtales]

Just starting... Long story. 2006 Marlin which was splashed in 2007.

 

[Toothpick 10]

I have a 2002 Islander and I expect to be replacing my transom and fuel tank soon. However, when you consider the price of a new boat, the cost of these repairs is really a small fraction of that cost.

BOAT: Bust Out Another Thousand!!

 

[Fishtales]

At this point, I just want it done so I can install the new helm seat and get the spring work done so I can splash her.

 

[Fishtales]

Saw the boat today after work. Progress being made. I didn't get to speak to the shop but I was pleasantly surprised that the repair was only 2" in length from the top of the bang plate area. Fully glassed and ready for final glass work and gelcoat. Maybe just maybe, I'll get her back mid next month. Pics to follow.

 

[el jefe]

Saw the boat today after work. Progress being made. I didn't get to speak to the shop but I was pleasantly surprised that the repair was only 2" in length from the top of the bang plate area. Fully glassed and ready for final glass work and gelcoat. Maybe just maybe, I'll get her back mid next month. Pics to follow.

This might sound obvious, but make sure you get a good wax/polish, or whatever you use, in the well area and transom. I just did a bang plate replacement along with a repower and it so much easier to get to those areas without the engines and rigging in the way.

 

[mr_mbuna]

I had the transom cap glassed over. My pro is reworking the gelcoat color match a bit but you can see below how it now looks functionally.

Mine finished up last weekend. It turned out well. I hope yours does too, @Fishtales

 

[HMBJack]

So great to hear that the repair was only needed 2 inches down from the bang plate.
Of course, your fiberglass guy didn't think it necessary to go beyond 2 inches.

I'm curious why, how? there could have been no structural weakening of the transom if that area was wet.
Like - how could it not have affected more area if there was leakage under the bang plate?
Your opinion please... Thanks. We are all learning here from your transom job.

 

[Toothpick 10]

That looks great !
boggles the mind as to why it’s not finished like that in the first place.

This is the million dollar question that has been asked a million times.

 

[HMBJack]

This is the million dollar question that has been asked a million times.

Yes and, with the imperfect water tight seal under the transom bang plate, how how how, in this example, more damage did NOT occur?

 

[Fishtales]

So great to hear that the repair was only needed 2 inches down from the bang plate.
Of course, your fiberglass guy didn't think it necessary to go beyond 2 inches.

I'm curious why, how? there could have been no structural weakening of the transom if that area was wet.
Like - how could it not have affected more area if there was leakage under the bang plate?
Your opinion please... Thanks. We are all learning here from your transom job.

I will review the fix and get pics and details as I only saw the repair yesterday and nobody was around to explain it yet.

I had two quarter size delam bubbles at the very top of the motor well just under the bang plate. I believe we got it early and damage was limited. I was initially told up to 8" may need to go based on like jobs in the past and that they would re-do the motor well drains as well if they go that far. With the repair only being 2" the motor drain tubes are not affected. I kinda wish they were done but that would be evidence that the damage was more than the delam areas that I observed - either way, I just want the issue addressed and the boat in the water. More to come.

 

[Fishtales]

Update. Transom has been repaired. Repair was much less than anticipated. I believe we got it very early. Only approx 3” of glass needed. Engines going on this week. Hopefully will get it by the weekend for final prep.