New transom - how's this look?

[erikgreen]

I just put two layers of 18 oz. roving on my new transom, which is itself made of two 3/4" ply layers glued to the existing gelcoat with epoxy with filler and laminated with glass between. I filled the remaining space around the edges of the ply with peanut butter epoxy, and filleted. Then I started laminating.

I learned everything on how to do this from here, this is a great board!

I thought I'd post some pics so you could all comment on my (lack of good) workmanship.

I obviously need to do some cleanup on this yet, clear the hole for the sterndrive, grind out and fill some voids in the glass where I cross chines.
Also, I still need to put a couple layers of 8 oz glass on the ply to finish the transom interior. The white fillet you see behind the roving is actually matting, I just laminated it on with some white opaque epoxy because I wanted to try it out - it's certified as useable for lamination, and seems to work ok. Turns out I didn't need the mat since I'm not using polyester, but that's ok.

Edit: The white stuff right in the corners there isn't a bubble, it's dust from a bit of grinding I did before I took the pic - there's some on the ply too.

Next up are the motor mounts.. they go on either side of the remnant ridges you see near the transom hole. I'll remove the ridges and some more foam and stringer before I put them in.

I'm thinking of laminating some ply together with epoxy on edge, so the pieces are vertical, to make the motor mounts, which are 38" x 7" x 5 1/4 on the inside, sloping to 4" on the outside. Sound reasonable, or is there a better way to match the slope? I don't have a planer or even a big router.

Erik

 

[sourbsted]

Re: New transom - how's this look?

Looks good. Very neat job. I have magazine pic's on how to rebuild soft floor if you want it. Doesn't look like you really need it..

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: New transom - how's this look?

If you ask real nicely, I'll let you come and work on my boat.

 

[qaztwo]

Re: New transom - how's this look?

looks nice. did you butter the back befor sticking it to the transom fiberglass?

There looks like two holes to either side of the cut out, just wondering if there for anything, or are my eyes playing tricks.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: New transom - how's this look?

Yep, I actually buttered the back with epoxy mixed with wood flour. Cheaper than most fillers and dries rock hard. Hard to sand though, you can't fair anything with it.

The holes to either side of the cutout are the top two sterndrive mounting holes... I drilled them to use for clamping, since I used six sections of reddy rod to clamp both sides (plus some 2x10, wingnuts, etc). It really helped to pull the whole thing tight. I had to use a blowtorch to heat the rod to get the epoxy to let go of it though.

Once I'm ready I'll redrill all the holes to an extra large diameter and fill them with peanut butter mix, then redrill to the sterndrive bolt diameter, to seal them against possible water leaks. I actually will do that for all the transom holes, for the trim plates, hydraulics, etc.

Thanks for the comments,
Erik

PS: Frank, I'll give it some thought. You'll have to pay me in beer though

 

[qaztwo]

Re: New transom - how's this look?

I forgot to commet on the engine mounts. When redoing mine I epoxyed 3/4 inch ply untill I got the desired thickness. Then slowly with a band saw cut the profile. I did my build up with the ply flat, would not do it that way again smoked 3 blades cutting through wood, epoxy, and milled glass to get the correct profile.

I would build them vertical like you had said, ounce everything is in order then would glue them up.

good luck.

 

[qaztwo]

Re: New transom - how's this look?

I was referring to the holes about a foot way from the sides. Was wondering if you drilled holes then used threaded rod to clamp.

anyway, looks nice.

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/qaztoo/albums/

 

[erikgreen]

Re: New transom - how's this look?

Those are the mounting holes for the top of the trim tab hydraulic cylinders... they were at the right level to work as clamp holes.

I also used the top hole from the U bolts that are meant for trailer hold-downs for a couple clamps higher up, but they're hidden from this angle.

Erik

 

[Mark42]

Re: New transom - how's this look?

Oooooh. Very nice work. Looks like a lot of attention to detail went into that transom job.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: New transom - how's this look?

Looks Great.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New transom - how's this look?

pay you in beer, you'll be drunk, you can do all my transom jobs. Great Job. you won't get that kind of work if you sent it to a shop to be done. depending on the type of engine mount you have. concerns me. do the bolt straight down, or are the L shape and sit on the mount and bolt thur wood from the side. i've seen both.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: New transom - how's this look?

Top down lag bolts. I'm not wild about going at plywood edge-on, but I'm having trouble thinking of a good way to get the angle I need on the bottom of the mounts.

Hmm, I do have a metal cutting band saw. I could just build up a couple of laminated blocks the right size and a jig to make the angle, and I'm sure the saw would cut it no problem.

But maybe there's a better way?

Erik

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New transom - how's this look?

either that or have a piece of angle made to bolt the mount to, and then thru bolt the angle. i think the straight down lags, is the culpret to a lot of rot problems. there is a lot of torque on those bolts. you may have to notch out for the angle and nut. but think it's worth a try.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New transom - how's this look?

make up a post and throw it into the i/o forum and see what the results are.