Do I have to replace the whole transom

[dlgarr]

88 Four Winns 160 Freedom, I have the engine out about to reguild and checked the transom. Found that an area about 8in by 12 in is rotted. It is by the transom assemble and only involves the bottom left transom assembly bolt.
So considering that it has been rotten for some time (pretty obvious) and has not caused any noticeable issues (no stress cracks in any gel coat), plus older Four Winns have really strong transoms to begin with, I'm wondering if I can just replace this area? Either by cutting out from the inside and putting in new wood and overlaying really heavy between the patch and the surrounding area, or maybe just create a form and put in seacast?
I really really don't want to do the whole transom, not sure this old gal would be worth that much effort, I'm guessing I'm about to pour in $1000 on the engine..
Thanks

 

[CrazyFinn]

Personally, I would replace the whole thing. If you do, and do it properly , you will never have to worry about it again.. If you don't, you will definitely be dealing with it later. My guess is that there is more rot in there than you think...

 

[Ike-110722]

I would tend to agree with Finn, but yes you can just replace the rotted area. But expect to have to do it all again in few years. It is very difficult to get all of the rot out. It is best to replace the whole thing. Then you know that it is all good.

 

[sphelps]

If you go with seacast every bit of wood would have to come out ... Ya got the engine out may as well replace the whole thing .. Better check the stringers also ...

 

[jbcurt00]

If you take the motors 1K and add all the money you'll spend on rebuilding transom, possibly stringers and motor mounts too, then go shopping for a different, but similar size, boat to buy w every bit of those funds, you are significantly likely to find those boats also have similar problems w transoms, stringers, motor mounts and motors.

Sure there might be perfect condition similar boats out there under 5K but the vast majority arent perfect, far from it in most cases.

Replace the transom. It'll never be easier then it is w the motor out already.

And if the transom has rot (I'd bet more then you think) the motor mounts are suspect.......

Good luck

 

[CrazyFinn]

If you take the motors 1K and add all the money you'll spend on rebuilding transom, possibly stringers and motor mounts too, then go shopping for a different, but similar size, boat to buy w every bit of those funds, you are significantly likely to find those boats also have similar problems w transoms, stringers, motor mounts and motors.

Sure there might be perfect condition similar boats out there under 5K but the vast majority arent perfect, far from it in most cases.

Replace the transom. It'll never be easier then it is w the motor out already.

And if the transom has rot (I'd bet more then you think) the motor mounts are suspect.......

Good luck

He already posted in another thread about a rotted mount - so my guess is that he's going to discover what most of the rest of already discovered...

And I agree, if you want a solid boat, and the design of this one is good for you, you might as well invest some money and effort into it. It will still cost far less than buying a new enough boat to have no rot.

 

[jbcurt00]

Thanks Crazy, heres the mount topic
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat...ng-and-hull-repair/10340774-3-0l-engine-mount

Dlgarr, you plan to put an OMC in it? 3.0L or the CL found 4.3L?

 

[tpenfield]

As stated, I would check other parts of the structure to make sure you know the full extend of moisture and rot. In terms of the transom, you should expose far beyond the rotted areas to check for moisture. You will want to cut out, or at least dry out and treat, wet areas of the transom, even though they may not be rotted. If after all of this investigation and planning, you are looking at a partial transom replacement, you can certainly do that.

 

[Woodonglass]

Not too many 29 year old boats only need a partial transom replacement. I'm betting a thorough inspection of all the structural components of your boat will turn up significantly more issues. Boats are not like old cars they tend to need full restorations a LOT sooner. Prolly NOT what you wanted to hear but...It IS the truth.

 

[dlgarr]

Thanks all, I will be cutting into the rotten area this week and see how far it goes. On the engine mount when I try to push the very sharp probe I was using, it went no more than an 8th of an inch. Trying to be optimistic. As far as changing out to the 4.3L, my old crankcase seems to be in pretty good shape, will make that decision once I get it to the machine shop and see what they say.

 

[CrazyFinn]

Thanks all, I will be cutting into the rotten area this week and see how far it goes. On the engine mount when I try to push the very sharp probe I was using, it went no more than an 8th of an inch. Trying to be optimistic.

We all understand wanting to be optimistic - and none of us are trying to discourage you from fixing the boat. But most of us have discovered what we suspect that you will discover - that under the glass is a lot more rot and moisture than you want to see. We could be wrong of course.

When I first started working on my boat, I thought my transom was pretty good. No stress cracks, no flexing of the drive, felt solid in most areas. It even looked solid and dry when I removed the drive. But... when I peeled the inner skin off, I was able to remove large sections of it with just my fingers - and the squeeze the water out with my hands. On the bright side, I now KNOW my transom is solid and dry, because I replaced the whole thing, and am in the process of doing the same with anything else made out of wood. When I'm done, my boat will theoretically be better than new.

What we're all telling you is that, if you do the same thing, you will have a boat that will have NO rot issues for a long time - if ever. Just being realistic here - not trying to discourage. And maybe you are right, but make sure you check everything thoroughly.

 

[Scott Danforth]

if you poop in one hand, and wish and hope and have optimism in the other hand. which one fills up faster.

you can test drill and determine the extent of rot under your deck, in your stringers, transom, bulkheads and continue to deny what so many have found before you........ or simply accept the fact that you have rot, fire up the tools of destruction and tackle the restoration like a boss.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Poop in one hand? Who does that Scott Danforth??? :lol:​ Like CrazyFinn stated, we all hoped for the best. You can look at my Chap restoration to see that. First it was a small soft spot, then it was trapped moisture, then it was "those stringers aren't too bad, then "well most of the transom is good".......to gut everything and start from scratch. The good news is there is plenty of support on here to do things right, and everyone likes to help you and encourage. Boat restoring takes time, hard work, patience, and some funds. All in all its very rewarding in my opinion. In the end, a properly restored boat is much stronger and better built that the factory and will last a long time when properly cared for.

Good luck and welcome!! :wave:

 

[kcassells]

What...no pics?

 

[dlgarr]

Yeah Yeah Yeah :facepalm:, pictures are coming. Got the transom plates off today (overlapping while working at home), and yep, not looking too good.

 

[Scott Danforth]

read link 14 http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat...r/295740-how-to-s-and-other-great-information

then 2, 3, 4a, and 4b. after that fire up the tools of destruction.

Welcome to the restoration club