Help with transom repair

[islander 85]

85 islander with an outboard. So I've got the old transom out it was 3 separate pieces bottom where motor mounts and one on eachside of the splash well. It was apparently done before and looks like they took alot of shortcuts. Wasnt sure how it was originally so should it be 3 pcs again or should it be one solid piece? They also put alot of holes in it for I'm assuming for different transducers over the years and only put screws back in the hull with no sealer I know welding them up would be ideal but could say 3m 5200 be an option if I were to put a small plate on the backside sealed with it then fill the holes? I'm planning on installing a stern saver to eliminate adding anyore holes when the job is complete. I am looking at layering 2 sheets of 3/4 marine grade together glue or epoxy? Then sealing with west systems epoxy any better options read alot of posts on here before joining and that seems to be the preferred method correct?

 

[Fcdave]

Dont know about the Islander with regard to original transom design, but if it were me, i would build it in one piece if it is possible. You want a strong backbone for the layup and forces placed on transom. The only way i would see multiple sections, is if there was a longitudinal structural bulkhead that the sections were structurally tabbed to. 2 layers of 3/4" X ply laminated with epoxy and epoxy & glass is how I have built my last 2 transoms... very strong and waterproof....will last generations if done right. Yes, best to build in transom saver blocks for adds to transom and eliminate ways for water to get into the wood. Also very important to oversize drain tube hole, fill with epoxy & then drill hole for tube to be installed with 5200.

 

[islander 85]

Thanks for the reply. My first bigger boat and it is something I only want to do once. Was leaning twords single piece just wasn't sure if there was a reason they made it in 3 of if they did that because it was easier.

 

[jbcurt00]

Originally the transom ply WAS 3 pieces, a large center section and 2 small 'wings' on either side at the top.

economical use of plywood, the wings came out of the scrap cut out for the outboard notch.

most redo it as 1 large piece instead of 3. But it does use more plywood.....