Need help on 86 Four Winns Liberator possible transom rot

[Lake Erie Lib]

Need someone that can help determine if I have transom rot, motor is out and tryinging to determine to repair and redo transom or do I have life left as is... Boat is located in the Lasalle Luna Pier area, boat is in good condition and I really want to keep it.

 

[alldodge]

With the motor out it should be easy to find rot.
Take a 1/4 drill bit and put tape on it about 1/2 up from the tip. Start down low on the transom and drill to the tape and remove. Your looking for darkened wood which is damp or wet. The wood should look blonde and dry.

If would is dry down low then you should be good higher up. Drill some other holes in the stringers to check the same way. Can use same method for the deck

 

[emoney]

If the keyhole area is "black", that's an indicator of moisture. Shouldn't be too hard to know for sure, and needing a new transom doesn't mean you can't keep it. Just means you've got some serious work to do.

 

[Lake Erie Lib]

Needing someone local to view and help make decision or just put engine back in and enjoy for 2-4 more years....

 

[racerone]

The company is in Michigan.-------Perhaps a call to 1-800 or Email to them.-------Ask about history / events / problems with your mode of boat.-----Might help you or might not.---------I would say fix it now.----Not hard to do.------Composite ( no rot ) materials are readily available today.

 

[emoney]

I thought the motor was out? Can you not get access to take pics of the keyhole with it removed? Or was the gimbal, outdrive etc. left in?