1980s Grumman meter series

[Oil_Funnel]

question on transoms in the old grummans I bought this boat for $1000 and redid the floors and some other things and I went through and kinda rushed through the transom. I had a piece of delrin plastic and stainless steel pipe that I cut to shape and it fit pretty perfectly. I was wondering if that will hold up over time. And why are transoms usually wood? This is my first boat and I’m super new to all of this.
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[Scott Danforth]

Delrin doesn't have the strength needed for a transom. Wood does.

 

[airshot]

Wood is less expensive than a fabricated all aluminum transom, and it is actually stronger than an aluminum pound for pound. As the wood goes bad, so does the integrity of the transom, so most newer, better quality boats have now gone to all aluminum, except for cheaper utility boats. As a rebuilder, you have the opportunity to make that wood last a lot longer by properly treating it. Wood is much easier to work with without expensive fancy tools. Unfortunately the factory does not take the steps to seal the wood to make it last, just hurry up and get it on the sales floor.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Do not use treated lumber. The delrin would last forever but the sheet would have to be over 1" thick to have the stability you need.