Can Transom Plate Be Welded

[SDSeville]

I cracked the inner transom plate (19' 1986 Sea Ray Seville) while tightening one of the bolts. It cracked because my transom is rotten. I am in the process of replacing the transom.

Can I have this piece welded or will I need to buy a new one?

 

[45Auto]

Re: Can Transom Plate Be Welded

The aluminum loses all heat treat properties and becomes dead soft once it's welded. Probably wouldn't matter in this situation. I'm not sure what alloy aluminum the transom plate is made from, probably one of the 5000 series marine alloys, but I personally would buy a good used one off Ebay for $60-$70.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merc...1084607QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merc...7321645QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Alph...7033402QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Can Transom Plate Be Welded

Thanks. Is this a one size fits all or will I have one specific to my boat?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Can Transom Plate Be Welded

Thanks. Is this a one size fits all or will I have one specific to my boat?

Ayuh,... It needs to Match yer Alpha 1...

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Can Transom Plate Be Welded

Are all alpha 1 inner transom plates the same?

 

[wire2]

Re: Can Transom Plate Be Welded

I'm pretty sure that part is cast aluminum and as such, can probably be welded. Heat treat is not an issue. 50xx or 60xx aluminum alloys tend to bend rather than break under stress. Since it has to come apart anyway, take it to a weld shop, let them try a weld. Might be $10-$20 if you clean the paint off ?" from the break first.

 

[littlebookworm]

Re: Can Transom Plate Be Welded

I broke the inner transom plate on my previous boat while replacing the power steering slave cylinder. No one would weld the plate on the boat. Only one person would weld it on the ground and he would give no guarantees because the "lug" I brought was under much strain during steering. I found a used plate for $35 through an acquaintance. I was able to slide the engine forward so I didn't have to pull it. Unbolting and replacing the transom plate was a little scary, especially when everything was out and I had a big hole in the transom, but really wasn't difficult. Take your time and keep the service manual handy. Good luck. hy

 

[sschefer]

Re: Can Transom Plate Be Welded

Yes, it can be welded but most shops won't touch it because they know it's not going to hold up without a lot of prep work and a welder that knows how to TIG weld cheap old dirty cast aluminum.

Wire2 you're close. It needs to be sand blasted, etched, baked, washed in acetone then pre-heated and TIG'd. It's about 2 hrs labor + Materials. 125.00-150.00 minimum. It's almost cheaper to buy a new one which is what I would tell you if you brought it to me for welding. If it was something rare or expensive I'd try to save it but it's a 50/50 shot with this junk.

On the other hand, you might just get lucky.

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Can Transom Plate Be Welded

Thanks for the help everyone. It looks like ebay will be the way to go on this one. How do I make sure I am getting the correct alpha one plate? Does the boat make, model, or engine have anything to do with the plate I buy?