Cracked transom

[lenny2113]

Here is the story:<br />Marine mechanic was docking my boat into a slip and clipped the transom on the dock. The impacked caused the starboard side of transome to crack about 7 inch long crack. <br />It is above water line and is not all the way through transom. <br />I am concerned with the fact that it may start cracking further. My question is: what is the proper way of repairing this? Should the hole be drilled at both ends of crack?<br />My transom is a 3/4" thick and as per visual estimate the crack is 1/4" deep. <br />I showed it to the owner of the marina. He assured me that they will fill in the crack with something called "formula 27". <br />I want to make sure that I do it the right way. <br />Greately appreciate your comments.<br />Regards,<br />Lenny

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Cracked transom

Hit the dock hard enough to crack the transom........hummmm. Now offers to fix it with “formula 27” (boat bondo).............hummmmmmmm. How old is the boat? What kind of condition is it? Do they normally fix boat hulls? Can they match the color? Will they guarantee the fix? There is a whole list of questions I would have before I would except a repair. Sounds like a insurance claim that they are trying not to make. You may want someone qualified to look at it before its “covered up”.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Cracked transom

Must have been quite a clip! I would be more concerned about the structural integrity than looks. Be firm and insist that they make it right.

 

[lenny2113]

Re: Cracked transom

It is a 1976 Formula 26'. The boat is too heavy that's why this happened. The boat is in perfect condition with fresh paint and all toys.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Cracked transom

Get a Marine survey done on the boat....

 

[rml]

Re: Cracked transom

Lenny,<br />I'll repeat what f_inscreenname, rickdb1boat have said and surely lots of others are thinking: have a professional (a reputable: fiberglass pro, marine surveyor or structural engineer) take a look at the extent of the damage. btw, what sort of damage did the dock sustain? An impact with enough force to crack your transom surely left at least a dent on the dock. If you find that they have replaced timbers, it was probably more than a "clip" - and you probably should take some pictures (of the boat and the dock). Also, Formula 27 is a polyester resin made by Evercoat "for filling dents scrapes and gouges".<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br /> --rml

 

[jinx]

Re: Cracked transom

"The boat is too heavy, that's why this happened."<br /><br />Are those their words?...sounds like a snow job to me. Watch your back with this incident.<br /><br />Good Luck,<br /><br />Jinx

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Cracked transom

Have it fixed right at their expense. I would have a third party inspect and possibly repair as you can be sure that the marina is going to fix it the cheapest way, not the best way.

 

[lenny2113]

Re: Cracked transom

What is the right way of fixing this. Openning up the crack and filling with something like "marine-tech", "formula 27", etc... or what?<br /><br />Thanks to all for your suggestions.

 

[salty87]

Re: Cracked transom

your insurance people might be able to help in this situation, if it comes to it. they'll go at it with the marina's insurance company. that, of course, is not the way to save the relationship but that isn't always possible.

 

[lenny2113]

Re: Cracked transom

I value relationship with marina guys. They have always been nice and provided great service. I want to be fair in this situation. I don't want to push too much because besides that I would have to find a new marina; nothing will get done with the damaged boat. At least the guy was fair enough and offered to fix it. Let's admit the fact that he might have said: "I know nothing about this. The crack might have been there before". I feel it is a 50/50 case if it were to get to small claims court. (my word against theirs). <br />I want the guy to fix it and forget about it. I need to know what the right way of fixing it is. I am sure marina owner knows 3 ways - cheap, good and best. I want to get it fixed good. I don't want to come back to it later looking at something more severe because of not properly fixed in the first place.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Cracked transom

Without seeing it in person to see how bad the damage is I don't think anyone here is going to tell you this or that will fix it. Like said before have someone (who know what they are looking at) look at it. From there when the marina owner says we will do this you can be sure it's right.