Newbie Question-transom plate

[Oldav8tor]

I'm the new owner of a 1987 FourWinns Sundowner 215. I got it last september and had it in the water a few times before winterizing it. It has always been in fresh water and stored indoors. I had a pro pull the outdrive and inspect the bellows etc., and all was good. I haven't got it in the water yet this year as I have a few things I want to do to it first but have been delayed due to some complications from prostate cancer surgery that have slowed me down. One of the things that did impress me about the boat was the solid feel of it and the fact that there was never any water in the bilge, not a drop! Unfortunately, with time on my hands I'm reading all these stories of guys with dry bilges who all of a sudden start leaking (usually after some maintenance)... next thing you know, new transom$$$ I've done the tap test on my transom and it appears sound. What concerns me is the transom plate has probably not been touched since 1987.... should I be taking some pre-emptive action like running a bead of 4200 or some other sealant around it or just trust the original install until it gives me reason not to?

 

[alldodge]

just trust the original install until it gives me reason not to

You have the answer

A transom will never leak unless water gets in and comprises it or there is some kind of a hard impact that damages the housing. Don't worry about it and go boating

 

[Woodonglass]

I agree that more than likely due to it's former maintenance and care, she's prolly good to go. IF you just have to be sure and IF you have ample access to the keyhole on the inside, and IF you're ok to work on it due to your surgery, then you could drill a few holes on the inside around the key hole and check the shavings. If she's all dry just fill the holes with 3M 5200 and go have fun on the water.

 

[Oldav8tor]

Good advice...my dad always told me "If it ain't broke don't fix it." I suspect that applies here. I have the rear inside of the boat opened up so I will try to poke around a bit more without messing anything up. I've gotten some strange looks when I tell people I bought a 31 year old boat but heck, I fly a 72 year old airplane..... unfortunately, I know a lot more about maintaining airplanes than fiberglass boats.... Oh well, learning new things is something I enjoy.

 

[Woodonglass]

Drilling exploratory holes in your transom IS practicing good care and maintenance on a boat. Fathers advice is sound but...You must ascertain in the proper way if it IS broke!!! Keep us posted on what you find. The "Hammer" tap test is one of the most UNRELIABLE methods for determining the soundness of a transom