Structural question reguarding transom

[GatorMike]

I have an 89 Proline and have a question about wheather the transom is sound. I had a hydrolic fluid leak in my tilt and trim motor and had about a quart of fluid leak out which laid in the bottom of my boat next to the transom until I discovered it. There are now 2 6" diameter blisters in the gelcoat just below where the fluid was sitting. I suspect in some way these blisters are related to the hydrolic fluid. How can I check to see if the transom is sound and if not what kind of repairs will be required?

 

[DJ]

Re: Structural question reguarding transom

I also suspect that the hyd. fluid may have blistered the gelcoat.<br /><br />The best way, I know of, to check transom soundness is done in two ways.<br /><br />1. Look for cracks where the transom is heaviest loaded-around the engine mounts and just below.<br /><br />2. Knock on it with you knuckles. It should sound the same everywhere you knock. The sound should sound like knocking on a solid wood door. Any dull "thuds" may indicate a lamination seperation and rotted wood.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Structural question reguarding transom

Hydraulic fluid, brake fluid and the like are very corrosive. Undoubtedly, it caused the blistering, but probbly did not affect the structural integrity of the transom. Remove all residue and clean the area completely. Assuming this area is not visually critical, sand loose material and prep clean, then epoxy each 6 inch area. Also use some f-glass mat if youthink it's necessary, it can't hurt.

 

[airman]

Re: Structural question reguarding transom

Better than knuckles is a small hammer or a quarter. While you're at it, check the rest of the transom and the floors as well. The repairs are much easier when the problems are caught early.

 

[ThomWV]

Re: Structural question reguarding transom

Wait a minute here. Do you mean that the fluid leaked down into the hull and puddled up inside the hull at the junction of the bottom and the transom and then blisters formed on - which was it - the inside of the hull or the outside of the hull? I only ask because for one thing this isn't brake fluid, it shouldn't have done anyting at all to the glass, no matter if it was polyester, or vinylester. I've spilled what must have been gallons of the stuff between installing steering systems, autopilots, and trim tab leaks, and I've never seen it do anything at all to glass. Even in my own boat that had a long time leak at a T-fitting to one of the auto pilot lines that caused up to about a pint of fluid (ATF is what I use in steering systems, probably what is in your tilt/trim too) to be sitting in the bottom of the console for months at a time - no blisters. I have my doubts.<br /><br />Thom

 

[GatorMike]

Re: Structural question reguarding transom

ThomWV,<br />Yes, maybe I should have been a little more clear when I asked the question. I think I may have misled some of the others. The fluid was on the inside of the hull and the blisters are on the outside. I am thinking the fluid may have gotten into the transom through a crack or hole and soaked the wood causing the blisters on the outside.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Structural question reguarding transom

I'm with ThomWV......<br /><br />You're dealing with two(2) Totally Unrelated Issues......<br />

I am thinking the fluid may have gotten into the transom through a crack or hole and soaked the wood causing the blisters on the outside.

No Way......