12' Sears Fiberglass Transom Repair question

[chris16371]

So I picked up this little boat cheap knowing I was going to have to fix it up a little. It's pretty solid everywhere except the transom and the inside could use repainted. Anyways I've been reading all over this forum about transom repairs and I have the general idea. On this boat does the plywood only go down the middle where the motor mounts? The difference in thickness in that spot compared to everywhere else and also the carry handles is throwing me off and I don't want to cut open more than I have to. Here is some pics:

 

[Woodonglass]

IMHO the center section IS all that needs replaced. You'll prolly need to cut the Rolled Lip off to be able to get to the inner wood core. Not to worry, it's an easy "Put Back" when the time comes.

 

[chris16371]

IMHO the center section IS all that needs replaced. You'll prolly need to cut the Rolled Lip off to be able to get to the inner wood core. Not to worry, it's an easy "Put Back" when the time comes.

Cutting the rolled lip won't be a problem since it's already coming off as you can see in the pic lol. The middle is quite a bit thicker as it should be since it holds the motor but the rest of it must only have 1/4" plywood at most it seems. I actually thought the middle section was the only place with plywood but that can't be, right? I can't seem to find marine grade plywood local, what would be my next best choice? Is there anyway I can make it even stronger after replacing the wood? This is my first boat so talk to me like I'm an idiot lol.

 

[Woodonglass]

There miight not be a plywood core in the rest of the boat. I'd start cutting the inner layer of glass in the center section and once that's out you should be able to determine if there's plywood on the WINGS.

 

[chris16371]

Transom repair question, again...What would you do?

Below is pic of my transom gutted. I honestly have no idea where to go from here, I don't know how to go about the huge taper.

 

[gm280]

Is that all the wood in the entire transom all across the rear of the hull?

 

[chris16371]

Is that all the wood in the entire transom all across the rear of the hull?

The wood looks like it stops. There's a big bulge in the center which is the wood I removed and then it gets really thin. I don't see how any wood would be able to fit anywhere else. Where it angles on the sides it goes to straight fiberglass and you can't see any wood in between. I have no idea how I'm going to cut a perfect piece with those angles.

 

[chris16371]

Here's a pic from the back so you can see the bulge I'm talking about.

 

[gm280]

That is a really interesting transom. I haven't even seen one like that before. I am certain others on here will chime in with info and ideas to help out. If not, I would grind all the imperfections out of the remaining material so that it was flat and smooth and then cut the new parts to insert back in place. But let's see what other have to say.

 

[Woodonglass]

How thick is it" Prolly about 1 1/2" Does it taper from top to bottom? It looks like it does. If so, I'd build it from Multiple layers of glued up 1/4" plywood and then make a paper pattern of the taper and use a Belt sander with 40 grit paper to shape it. Don't think it would be all that bad to do.

 

[chris16371]

How thick is it" Prolly about 1 1/2" Does it taper from top to bottom? It looks like it does. If so, I'd build it from Multiple layers of glued up 1/4" plywood and then make a paper pattern of the taper and use a Belt sander with 40 grit paper to shape it. Don't think it would be all that bad to do.

At the thickest (top) it's 1 1/4". Sanding the taper won't be to bad but the angled sides seem like they are going to sort of a pain. It looked like the original transom was a solid piece of wood.

 

[chris16371]

Do I need to make the taper? Can I just build it up and use a fiberglass mat to cover it instead of making it fit to the old piece? Sure it will bulge out a little and may not look the best but it's by no means a looker lol.

 

[Woodonglass]

Here's how i'd do it. Measure the widest and longest dimensions then cut 5 pieces of 1/4" plywood to those dimensions. Glue them up with Titebond III wood glue. Measure the bottom of the V and cut the sides to that tapered diemension. Measure the thickness at the top and at the bottom and transfer those measurements to the outer sides of the plywood and use a belt sander to shape the taper. Cutting could easily be done with a Jig Saw or Circular saw.

 

[jbcurt00]

Chris
Try to avoid multiple topics about similar subjects, merged the 2 topics

 

[chris16371]

Here's how i'd do it. Measure the widest and longest dimensions then cut 5 pieces of 1/4" plywood to those dimensions. Glue them up with Titebond III wood glue. Measure the bottom of the V and cut the sides to that tapered diemension. Measure the thickness at the top and at the bottom and transfer those measurements to the outer sides of the plywood and use a belt sander to shape the taper. Cutting could easily be done with a Jig Saw or Circular saw.

Thank you! You make it sound easy, or maybe I make it sound hard lol.

 

[chris16371]

Chris
Try to avoid multiple topics about similar subjects, merged the 2 topics

My apologies and thanks for cleaning it up.

 

[chris16371]

Another related question. I have a long shaft motor I'm going to put on, should I make the transom higher since I have it torn apart or should I put it back together how it was and put a jack plate on? If building the transom up would be better at this point how would I go about it and how much higher should I make it? Thank you to everyone that has helped me out, I really appreciate it!

 

[Woodonglass]

What hp is your motor and how much does it weigh??

 

[chris16371]

What hp is your motor and how much does it weigh??

15hp (max rating) weight I'm unsure, it's a 1983 Suzuki DT15 pull start. I'll see if I can find the weight.

Found it. 83.8lbs

 

[Woodonglass]

You could raise the transom by making it 5" taller and then glass it in. Won't hurt anything with that weight of motor and the weight. Keep us posted.