2ND TIME REPLACING TRANSOM

nite fisherman

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 14, 2011
Messages
36
I have a 1986 Starcraft FM 160. I replaced the Transom back in August, 2012. It is rotten again. Back in 2012, I used regular plywood with waterproof glue. I think was BX grade but not positive of that number. I do know not to use Pressure Treated on this aluminum boat. I had to use a double layer of 3/4 since the wood in my Transom was 1.5 inches. I used a quality glue between layers and pressed them together with clamps and used screws also.
I then sealed it with 3 layers of #635 Epoxy from U.S. Composites I used the 3 to 1 ratio product. I honestly cannot remember if I drilled all holes before or after I sealed it.
But anyway it is needing to be replaced again.
My question is, should I use the same material as before? Supposedly I can get a "Marine Grade" Plywood from a cabinet shop. (Regular plywood with waterproof glue}
Does that sound sufficient as far as the plywood goes or should I order some ACX Plywood from somewhere? It is not ready available in my area.
And also is the #635 Epoxy at a 3to 1 ratio what I should use again or is there a Better Product?

Thanks in advance for all responses and help.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,648
where did the rot start? I would personally not use epoxy to "seal" the wood. epoxy will crack vs flex

I would use either linseed oil, Old Timers Formula or oil based paint.

could always buy marine plywood. difference between ACX and marine ply is the wood itself as the glue is the same
 

Mc Tool

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 7, 2024
Messages
806
I just not long ago last year stuck a new bit of wood in my dinghy transom . I used a bit of 2 x 8 treated pine . Being as the old one had rotted I used treated even tho its sposed to react with the ally , but I sprayed the back of the wood with plasticoat paint to isolate it ...... time will tell if I made it .
Benefit of hind sight the dinghy should have been scrapped .
 

redneck joe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 18, 2009
Messages
13,506
At the top end i learned is MDO grade. In my small twon lumberyard it was 100 buck a sheet. It is the grade used for outdoor signs. I used old timers plus since floor i did mar8ne epoxy paint.
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
39,128
Don't use any wood.----Go with composite / coosa board / or any number of " no rot " materials.
 
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