Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?
If you are not qualified in using fiberglass matt and resins; don't attempt this project. Replacing the wood is no big deal but getting the strength from the glass cloth to the wood is critical. Any air holes where the resin hasn't sealed properly will cause weakness within the mold porject. There is a company called Ceconite in los Angeles that sells the cloth and resins compounds for the untrlight wings of airplanes. Ask them for products and info on uasing the resins and hot mix to seal properly. Good luck.
exactly, even though some people want to make it sound like it is so easy and anyone can do it so easily, like there is nothing to it, just by following a few simple directions.
I have seen and repaired dozens of bad transom repairs and cracked seams because there are things and shapes that fiberglass can and cannot do without cracking and weekend warriors reading directions can really mess things up. I have seen a few transoms that were rock solid and well done except they weren't bonded well and unlaminated from the boat over time. there is one motor and transom still out in the middle of the lake with half of the steering console but luckily no one was hurt (thank god) and surprisingly the boat didn't even sink so I was able to tow it and them back to the launch.
anyone can mix and lay fiberglass and have a perfectly suitable and strong repair but not many can do it correctly for the absolute best strength and bond without getting air pockets. many people do lots of fiberglass repairs every day and get away with a lot of subpar repairs that aren't obvious or visible.
you don't want to be trusting your life and possibly your family lives to a transom repair done by a first timer who may not even be handy with tools and using other peoples opinions and forum instructions. if it were any other repair it would be different since you are only risking having the motor come in the boat with you.
