Rotted Transom HELP!

hook_ed

hook_ed

Cadet
Joined
Nov 19, 2012
Messages
15
Just found a haunting little discovery on my 83 islander 191 (aluminum). There is a spot on the drivers side portion of the transom which is almost completely gone. Its about the size of a paper plate and there is more rotten wood at floor level and most likely below floor level. However, behind the engine, passenger side and everywhere else seems to be in tact with no damage. Just wondering if I can get by for one season or dont even risk it. My funds have dwindled with the holiday season, so Im hoping to be able to wait until after summer of '13. Ive also noticed that on the bottom of the hull there seams to be condensation at the V about 6" up both sides and about 5-6 feet from the stern going towards the bow. Im guessing the foam is all waterlogged and thats where the condesation is coming from. The guy who I got this boat from replaced the flooring with 1/2" pressure treated plywood also (1 year ago). ANY constructive critisizm, suggestions or ideas will be appreciated. Thanks gentlemen!

Hook
 
Pmccraney

Pmccraney

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 26, 2011
Messages
1,734
Re: Rotted Transom HELP!

I am somewhat new to the world of metal boats, but I'll try to get the ball rolling. Some folks that are more experienced may come behind me and clarify or supplement:

The good news: Metal boats are fun to work on and generally easy to fix; the bad news; you may have some issues you need to fix including some of the p/o's work.

1. Transom: Its hard to say without seeing pics (we love pics), but I wouldn't risk running your transom with sizable rot that you can see. You can put a lot of stress on your transom, warping or cracking the aluminum (or, even worse, drop your motor). Plus, you may have a couple of other issues that need to be addressed, so may be time to dry dock for awhile.

2. Sweating: Yes, you are probably holding water in there and/or your foam may be soaked. You probably need to lift your deck anyway (see item 3 below), so we can get a better look. Further, there is a chance your p/o thew down that new deck on top of old, rotten wood and foam... We need to dig in and see what's up.

3. PT Wood: From what I understand, PT wood seem like a good choice for boats, but its not. For one, unless its extremely dry it doesn't properly soak up coating resins, etc... Second, I believe that PT has chemicals in it that like to eat aluminum boats. Plus, 1/2 is sort of thin for a deck unless you've got really good sub-structure. Given that you might have some leaks, poor drainage to your bilge and/or wet foam, and a rotton transom, I think you are probably in line for a re-foam, re-deck and new transom...

Don't worry, its not that hard and not that expensive. Lots of folks on here can guide you every step of the way...
 
jigngrub

jigngrub

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Joined
Mar 19, 2011
Messages
8,155
Re: Rotted Transom HELP!

Wait 'til fall/late fall or 2013... no.

Wait til warm weather (May or June)... yes, and that's exactly what I would do given your location. Warm weather is much better for boat repairs/restorations. Resins, adhesives, and paint set and cure much quicker and with less problems in warm weather.

You can not "patch" your transom, it needs to be completely removed and put back whole and new. A "patch" will leave a joint in the wood of the transom and it'll be just as weak as the rotten transom.

ACQ pressure treated plywood is very corrosive to aluminum and should be removed sooner than later.

Waiting 6 months until warm weather should allow you to save enough money to do the job, tinny repairs aren't nearly as expensive as fiberglass restorations... nor do they take as long.

If you start your repairs in late May or early June you should be back on the water by the 4th of July.
 
hook_ed

hook_ed

Cadet
Joined
Nov 19, 2012
Messages
15
Re: Rotted Transom HELP!

Sounds like Ive got some work to do then. I will start doing the teardown this spring, unless i should be concerned about the water logged foam freezing and damaging things. If thats the case i can tear out all the flooring and foam and dry out the water. I will post pictures tomorrow of my situation ive got. I will start doing my research and look for a good step by step procedure for this operation. Thank you for the advice everyone, i would be lost without you. Talk toyou soon!
 
jigngrub

jigngrub

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Joined
Mar 19, 2011
Messages
8,155
Re: Rotted Transom HELP!

It doesn't cost anything to tear stuff out, so I'd go for it. The sooner you get that PT decking out of there the better, especially if your foam is wet and creating a moist environment.

Also, if you tear out now you'll be that much farther along when warm weather gets here and be back on the water sooner.
 
hook_ed

hook_ed

Cadet
Joined
Nov 19, 2012
Messages
15
Re: Rotted Transom HELP!

Any good suggestions on materials?? Also, any good ideas on flooring? I have carpet in there right now but would be open to other coatings, materials, etc.
 
JASinIL2006

JASinIL2006

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 10, 2012
Messages
5,725
Re: Rotted Transom HELP!

Doing the tear-out work now is a good idea... much nicer to do the hard, grunty work when it's nice and cool outside. Don't ask me how I know!
:)

Jim
 
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