high moisture reading in transom

[nova1]

I have a 26 wellcraft nova st with twin 350 mags..The transom shows a high<br />moisture reading with meter . I beleive its coming from the swim platform<br />attachments. I had it checked with percussion sounding and acore sample<br />taken and its not rotted or delaminated ...I,ve read a little on seapage<br />holes and letting it drain then resealing the transom. I plan on taking off<br />swim platform to espose attach. holes to the air through the winter . I<br />live in michigan. If i drill seap holes at the bottom of transom and allow<br />moisture to leave then i 'll inject some type of epoxy in the spring - Is<br />this the right direction?. Am i wasting my time if i store the boat in a<br />cold enviornment? any recommendations on getting the moisture out of my<br />transom before resealing? Drilling holes into my transom makes me nervous<br />unless i ts really nesesary . any other ideas on forcing heat into the<br />incapsulated wood to dry it out. Thanks for any feedback..jeff

 

[crab bait]

Re: high moisture reading in transom

i see & feel your pain... but the truth be known,,, a large majority of crafts have your problem or worst...<br /><br />water doesn't really make rot.. wet wood that becomes dry causes rot.. hence the 'full' name,, dry rot...<br /><br />your on the right track tho...wet wood that never dries is not good iether.. let it dry ,, <br />find cause an fix with epoxy..<br />shoot in some epoxy 'rot doctor' for cure & abatement.. should be ok...<br /><br />don't fear drillin' holes.. holes are your friend... even bore 1/4 or 3/8 holes.. <br /><br />when done,, patch with the right size dowel rod just shy of the surface,, fill the rest of the way with marine tex epoxy putty...you'l never see 'em..<br /><br />get the water out before the north freezes over..mayhaps cause bustin' & splittin'..<br /><br />by-the-way,,, welcome to IBOAT... don't be a stranger... good people here...

 

[nova1]

Re: high moisture reading in transom

thankyou for the welcome . I appreciate your feedback. I've already learned allot....i'm trying to decide whether or not to rig up a tent with the shrinkrap over my transom to keep out snow and put heat tape all over the transom and maybe rig a fan inside the bilge thru the winter....ya think this would phase it.....thanks again

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: high moisture reading in transom

Why not just have the whole boat shrinkwapped, and put a door in it. The fan is a good idea, and/or a dehumidifier would help if the boat was tight enough. Don't forget it has to breathe too though. Wouldn't hurt to pull ann the transom hardware, let it dry and the git rot will help slow down the aging/rotting process. Soulds like a fast boat!

 

[nova1]

Re: high moisture reading in transom

thanks ....Should i drill the seapage holes from the inside of transom or outside............thanks for the dehumidifier idea....i'll look into getting one....hopefully i can find one small enough to fit in the bilge.............do you think getrot or the west system for sealing..which is better...<br /><br />and yes, she runs good with her stepped hull - about 68-70 gps........thanks allot for your input.......<br />

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: high moisture reading in transom

Git Rot is better for wet wood. Acetone helps dry/prep it but not sure what else is in there that acetone could affect. West System is just something to brush over the hardened wood, and they have powder to add to make it like paste. I'd west system in the dowels. Not sure about drilling holes, that was crab bait, most of my experience is with wood transoms, or all glass.

 

[nova1]

Re: high moisture reading in transom

thanks allot capt Mike.....I appreciate your knowledge