Outdrive Bolt brace or plate

[ebne0018]

I have an 83 bayliner with a penta 270 outdrive. I noticed recently I was taking on water through one of the bolts that holds the outdrive to the transform. Tightening the bolt seemed to fix the leak for now, but I noticed the plywood around the bolt is damaged. The bolt has a large 1 1/2" or so washer to spread the load, but I was wondering if someone made a larger thicker plate I can use instead to spread the load over more of the plywood transform?

Thanks

 

[GA_Boater]

If I was you, I would be checking the transom wood for rot. It's been known to happen in the best maintained boats.

 

[ebne0018]

I'm pretty sure there will be some transform rot. This boat is at the end of it's life. I'm the second owner and I find everyday the first owner didn't take the best care of the boar. I'm just trying to get another year out of it.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Sounds like the transom is rotten to the point of Dangerous,.....

Keep the pfd's topside, 'n handy,....