Re: Question about transom work and paint
There are already some posts here, so I'll give my 2 cents.. Ideally, if you want the transom repair to last you need to use a marine grade plywood (the stuff from the big box stores does not count). Use an Okoume or Merriante plywood (something that uses water / boil proof glue and is rated with a BS standard. BS = British standard, not bull s*#t). typically transoms are 1.5" thick, but smaller boats may be less. Use epoxy, personally I recommed West System and catalyze according to their instructions. It's best to coat the ply with the epoxy 2-3 coats applying each coat after the previous has started to tack. Let it fully harden, then sand it (not down to bare wood, just enough to heavily scuff the epoxy layer) with 80 grit and wipe with acetone. Now, the ply is sealed and ready for installation. Use the same epoxy with a thickener (West System 403) and install the transom using as many clamps as you have. If there are any exiting holes where you could thru-bolt it to help pull the ply tight against the metal even better. Use a wooden stir stick to remove any excess epoxy that oozes out from the clamping (BEFORE it sets).
As far as coating the aluminum, you will need to prep the metal so that the primer and paint can adhere to the surface; I would not leave any part of it bare. Depending on what kind of equipment you have, there are a few options. Do you have spray equipment? Are you looking for a paint that you can roll on or something that you can shoot from a can? Method of application will determine the paint you can use. High end marine or automotive paint will probably cost you $400 for the primer, paint and catalyst; hardware store stuff much less but won't last as long. Tell me a little more and I'll point you in the right direction.
