Replaced Floor/Stringers but not Transom

[BoatBabe81]

I might have made a boo boo about our boat. I replaced the flooring and the stringer with all new upholstery but failed to replace the transom.<br /><br />When I went to replace the decking, etc...all of the wood was wet and falling apart. I assume the same of the transom. It seems to be holding up fine right now and will through the next couple of months, but should I think about replacing it this fall. I have an i/o motor so how hard would it be. <br /><br />How do u replace a transom and will I have to take what I rebuilt off again? Any opinions and help will be greatly appreciated.<br />Thanks

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Replaced Floor/Stringers but not Transom

You really should have replaced the transom when you were doing the other stuff, but it isn't the end of the world. You'll just have to remove enough material to give you access to the transom. On an I/O boat the transom is not subjected to the kind of force an outboard boat is, as the propulsion forces are spread through the engine mounting points as well as the transom itself. The transom mainly locates the outdrive, and a failing transom on an I/O can cause problems with alignment leading to coupler and/or gimbal bearing failures. Good luck...

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Replaced Floor/Stringers but not Transom

JasonJ. I thought the stern drives push completly on the trancom just like a OB which it really is. The motor is connected by a powershaft to the OD.

 

[BoatBabe81]

Re: Replaced Floor/Stringers but not Transom

Okay, it looks sturdy enough but now that you mention it, our boat took on quite a bit of water when we took it out on the lake (eek). I know there isnt a hole in the hull, but someone told me it could be the seal of the i/o. Could it also be from the rotten transom? <br /><br />Thanks

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Replaced Floor/Stringers but not Transom

Cyclops, there is some force on the transom, but as much if not more force transmits to the engine mounts. That is why if you ever look at an I/O transom, the actual wood portion of the transom rarely extends beyond the width of the motor mount beds. An outboard transom goes all the way across to better distribute the leverage placed on it by having a much higher mounting point of the motor.<br /><br />The motor is connected to the outdrive with a shaft, but the outdrive housing is directly attached to the engine itself, as part of the mounting system for the engine. If the transom becomes weak, you start getting weird angles developing at that connection, which throws the gimbal alignment out of wack, which ruins the coupler and the gimbal bearing. Leaks can also develop as well.