Still taken on water

[leebolton]

Well took my boat to the shop to get a complet bellow job done $1200 later water still leaking in some were around the transom plate. they said it was the gasket does this sound right? I'm New to inboards and any help would be great. Sorry, the boat is a 1990 4.3 with a alpha something on it

 

[Bondo]

Re: Still taken on water

water still leaking in some were around the transom plate. they said it was the gasket does this sound right?

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,....

Is the wood in the transom Rotten,....
That's the usual cause of that condition....

If so,... You've got some Serious decisions to make,.... $1200. will be the tip of the iceburg..
Sorry...

 

[leebolton]

What is the best way to check the wood?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Still taken on water

I'm not familiar with your hull,... Most have wood for reinforcing the transom,...
It rots, 'n crushs, causing the condition you describe...

 

[solar7647]

Re: Still taken on water

My boat is fiberglass 1990 Maxum

Yes but the transom to two inches thick and is made of laminated plywood with fiberglass on both sides.

Take a small drill bit and on the inside of the boat, as close to the motor and as low as you can get drill a hole about 1/2 inch deep. See what color the dust is. A light color is good, the darker it gets the worse it is, and if it wet your SOL and will have to do some work.

 

[leebolton]

Re: Still taken on water

Thanks Was not sure what you ment how do I check this out?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Still taken on water

Well, the transom is not solid glass, it has a wood core 2 1/4 inches thick.
Some places to have a leak:
bellows and boots
water inlet fitting
trim sender/limit entrance hole
exaust Y pipe corroded
anode bolts corroded causing transom housing not to seal
loose transom seal from a very hard bottom strike, or dragging the skeg

 

[leebolton]

Re: Still taken on water

there was some wood rot around the back seats will check out around the transom. You would think a boat shop would know something about this. and give a guy a heads up