Transom repair - need advice

[Waterboy]

Need some advice on how to best fix the transom on my 19’ tournament... I pulled the transom aluminum plate that was being eaten away and found some damage underneath, doesn’t appear to be too bad but need to fill it in w something to prevent any more damage. I could mix up some epoxy and try to get it in there, could use jb weld marine fiberglass ‘bondo’ or ? Doesn’t need to be perfect.. thoughts? I’m handy but am hoping i can do all this without pulling the engine to make an adequate fix for at least the season. Thanks!!

 

[seasick]

Is that stuff soft? It doesn't look that great.
If it is mush, it really has to be removed until solid wood is reached. There are bacteria that cause the rot and just covering it with epoxy or whatever may not stop the decay growth.
Than again, I suppose that the bacteria need oxygen to grow and then the question is whether it is possible to seal off the rot from any air infiltration. I am not a chemist so I could be way off base on this one.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Assuming you did the "step on the lower unit" test and there is no flex.

Take off the motor.
Take off all of the aluminum and throw it away.

Minimum---- chip out the old filler/adhesive/"cement-looking stuff" that is between the "Cap" and the Transom "Hull" That will let you see the top of the wood. If what you see doesn't make you worried that your motor will fall off, then sand in there as best you can...the wood and the insides of the glass. Use West epoxy with 404 High density adhesive filler to refill the gaps. Do this up the sides too. To replace the aluminum THAT YOU THREW AWAY... Sand back the edges all the way around 3" or 4 " so you can glass over the edges with 10oz fiberglass cloth. I would use clear packing tape to mask off a clean line (epoxy doesn't stick to packing tape). You could use low density filler on top to make it smoooooth. You can feather it out or, with the tape line, have a thin reveal like a piece of trim. Prime & paint with Rustoleum exterior oil based from Home Depot.

 

[dainlaroche]

Recently discussed here:

Transom cap (bang plate) replacement

waiting for warmer weather and perfect time to pull the bang plate. Never thought it would have been this bad. 2005 seafarer with 420 hours. I’ll post pic of also my dads 07 with 200 hours. Crazy. Wide open for water to go in.

www.greatgrady.com

 

[Willy-C]

A couple years ago I pulled my bang cap, cleaned and regooped with plenty of 5200. Regretting it now as I had my motor hanging on a hoist, I took the lazy way out. Only good thing was my transom was dry and solid but I should have glassed and fixed it right.

 

[Sdfish]

+ 2 on Skunk's recommendation. I replaced the aluminum with stainless. Pics of my repair attached.

 

[HookUp]

Where did you get that nice stainless cap?

 

[Sdfish]

I had that custom made when I replaced my motor. II was not impressed with the vinyl replacement that Grady uses today.

 

[HookUp]

I had that custom made when I replaced my motor. II was not impressed with the vinyl replacement that Grady uses today.

The vinyl is a worse idea than the aluminum