Leaving a rotted transom alone

[salmonee]

I'm pretty sure my transom's shot. Photos show lower outboard mounting holes. What will happen if I leave things alone?

EDIT: I don't think my boat has any of those cross members that run from starboard to port? Forget the name. How is the wood mounted/connected to the fiberglass normally on a transom?

 

[timfives]

Re: Leaving a rotted transom alone

I'm pretty sure my transom's shot. Photos show lower outboard mounting holes. What will happen if I leave alone?

Never a good idea. If you see rot then there is probably far more rot in the areas you can't see. Leaving it alone will only allow the rot to continue until your engine falls off and you've endangered yourself and others.

Tim

 

[tinkeringwackyone]

Re: Leaving a rotted transom alone

I agree with timfives, you may want to do some exploritory hole (1/8") and see if the wodd shavings are dry or wet. dry good, wet bad. fill holes with 3M4200 or 5200 to seal back up. If transom is rotten, other parts may be as well.

 

[83vert]

Re: Leaving a rotted transom alone

You need to do a new transom..................................... Period

 

[Spinnaker]

Re: Leaving a rotted transom alone

From what I can see from the photos is the transom only has rot around those bolts. You may be very lucky and be able to replace part of that transom but you'll have to piece it in and cover the entire transom with addition wood for strength and layup with mat-roving-mat. You can't just piece it in, glass it and leave it. Either way you're pulling the cap off.
If it were my boat and the only spots were around the bolts as I mentioned, I'd remove those bolts and dry it out. Cover the area with another piece of ply and reseal the bolts well. Replacing the transom is something that you need to consider if it is really worth it at this point. Your call.