Plastic for Transom?

[Rick K]

Just got my transom out of my '61 Starcraft. A friend is a machinist at a place where they build things out of plastic, and I can have a new transom machined if I want. <br /><br />This stuff isn't ordinary plastic, it's the stuff they use to make chemical tanks, and other structural stuff out of. I'm told ome of it is more dense and stronger than steel.<br /><br />Does anyone foresee any problems using this stuff?<br />Thanks <br />Rick K

 

[Solittle]

Re: Plastic for Transom?

Ther is no way anyone here could or should give you advice on this as your transom is a big ticket safety item particularly if you put a motor on it. It may be as "someone" has told you but then again it may not be suitable in a marine application.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Plastic for Transom?

I'd Go for It....

 

[Rick K]

Re: Plastic for Transom?

Thanks. I'm just jones'n around for opinions. I used a piece of this stuff as the ramp on my utility trailer. I won't bend, bind, break, and I can't cut it with my sabre saw - it's pretty tough and has to be machined. I'm thinking that perhaps the plywood has some "give and flex" that is needed in the boat. This other stuff won't give a millimeter.<br /><br />Not trying to save a few bucks or anything, just looking for an alternative (one that won't rot! lol).<br /><br />Rick K

 

[redmule]

Re: Plastic for Transom?

Hey Rick<br />Going to replace a transom also, how could I get my hands on some of this plastic. <br /> Thanks Paul

 

[CCrew]

Re: Plastic for Transom?

Ahh, but the better question. Will it bond? It's one thing to use it as a material, but another if it's one of the "off the wall" materials that requires special glues or adhesives to bond it. The strongest material won't do much good if you can't adequately bond it to the existing.<br /><br />-Roger

 

[vidar]

Re: Plastic for Transom?

Hi! cant tell you as i dont know type of material ...some arnt usable over time in a marine app. i made a new for my boat but used a high grade alu....same type as in MLRS launchers....welded and glued in....will NOT rot eiter...also made a bracket for my ob of the stuff and iit dont corrode in saltwater either... greate stuff.. ..

 

[Rick K]

Re: Plastic for Transom?

Brownwater, wish I could help ya, but I'm getting the materials as payback on a favor I did for my buddy. <br /><br />As far as bonding goes, this material would be dropped into an aluminum runabout, where the transom, for the most part, is bolted thru the outter skin. The hard part will be marking the 28 screw holes, then having them tapped by some crazy looking machine, so that I can get a #10 screw into it.<br /><br />The material I'd be using is used to manufacture holding tanks for caustic chemicals. I wish I knew what the name of the material was - last I saw it, it had like 40 letters, most of which were consonents, and unpronouncable. I think there were a couple of numbers stuck in there too.<br /><br />Rick K

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Plastic for Transom?

I'm with Bondo.. Aluminum boat, I'd go for it...<br /><br />Keep us updated.. I'd be curious to know the name of the material... Got a Jon boat in my future that'll need a transom and i'm all over the idea of no wood in the boat..

 

[redmule]

Re: Plastic for Transom?

Sounds like polyboard , check it out at this site<br /> http://www.renewresources.com/polyboard.html <br />It sounds good for aluminum but their may be problems with getting it bonded to fiberglass

 

[Rick K]

Re: Plastic for Transom?

The polyboard looks great - at least you can drill and cut that stuff. Anybody know where you can buy this stuff?

 

[DJ]

Re: Plastic for Transom?

Rick,<br /><br />I do not see a problem with using it. Just have the blank machinned out then drop it in place to mark you screw holes. Don't forget about the engine mounting holes.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Plastic for Transom?

Check out an large hardware stores for polyboard type material. It is used in making outdoor balconies instead of plywood sheeting.

 

[sloopy]

Re: Plastic for Transom?

Is it starboard?