Removing Top Cap to Repair Cracks in Hull

[Noob12]

Hey everyone! I have absolutely zero experience working on boats besides what I have already done on this boat. I am currently working on repairing/restoring a 1986 Ebbtide Dynatrak 156 SS that I received for free from my father-in-law. We found out a couple years ago after putting it in the water that there were two small cracks in the hull at the bottom of the transom that was letting water in. In order to get better access to the cracks on the inside, I have been working on removing the top cap. Everywhere along the perimeter is free to lift off except for right around the top of the transom. It appears to be secured using a dark red epoxy that is extremely difficult to cut through or chip off.

Does anyone have any tips or tricks on how I could separate the cap from the transom? Thank you!

 

[alldodge]

Use a oscillating saw to cut thru. Need long blades, and don't forget about the splash pan drain tube

 

[Noob12]

Thank you! How would you recommend removing the splash pan drain tubes?

 

[alldodge]

The way I did mine was a small chisel/flat blade screw driver, and slowly bend the flare inward. Then kept working until I could peal it inward and remove

 

[Noob12]

Did you have to replace them? Or were you able to save the to use again?

 

[alldodge]

No, reuse, bought new. They make plastic ones which are glued in

https://www.amazon.com/Moeller-21003-300D-Brass-Drain-Tube/dp/B002FPD5X2

 

[alldodge]

Tool
https://www.amazon.com/Flanging-Tool-inch-Drain-Tube/dp/B002MJBLFK

 

[Noob12]

Thank you so much for your help! I got the drain tubes out, but couldn’t find a long enough saw blade to get in and cut. I’ll pick one up soon and should be good to go! Again, thank you so much!

 

[Noob12]

I finally found the time to get this part of the project done. The cap is separated!!
My next question would be whether or not I should completely replace the transom or just fix the cracks. The two cracks are at the bottom of the transom on the outside of the hull. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[alldodge]

Cracks on the outside and wasn't caused by an impact would tell me the transom core is compromised. I would completely replace the transom

 

[Noob12]

That’s what I was thinking! Once I got the cap off, the transom wood looked a bit rotted. I’ll remove the wood and fix the cracks before replacing the transom. Thanks!