Thunderbird outboard transom

[tbird175]

I am trying to determine the best approach to replacing the transom in my 17' thunderbird cathedral hull outboard. It appears that I will have to remove either part or all of cap or cut the splashwell to access the transom. I wil replace it from the inside. One of my questions is with the transom fitting very close to the splashwell, it seems that the attaching bolts for the outboard will be apply pressure to this gap between the transom and splashwell. Would it be better to reconstruct the splashwell attaching it to the transom, or am I being too concerned about nothing?

 

[rockyrude]

Re: Thunderbird outboard transom

The short answer is it would be best if you could remove the cap and replace it that way. The long answer is with my 19' thunderbird I also found the stringers rotten with the transom, the good news is they didn't use foam in mine.

 

[tbird175]

Re: Thunderbird outboard transom

The short answer is it would be best if you could remove the cap and replace it that way. The long answer is with my 19' thunderbird I also found the stringers rotten with the transom, the good news is they didn't use foam in mine.

Thanks Rockyrude. I am still concerned about the fit between the splashwell and the transom. The through bolts for the engine mounting pass through both. How critical is the fit between the two members?

 

[tbird175]

Re: Thunderbird outboard transom

Mine does not have any flotation material either. Did you add any to yours during your rebuild?

 

[Thunderbird 17]

Re: Thunderbird outboard transom

How did you guys verify if your transom is bad? Any help identifing my I think is is a 1965 but I don't have the type.

Thanks
Mark

 

[tbird175]

Re: Thunderbird outboard transom

I began with a rubber mallet. Strike the transom and it should bounce back with a solid feel. Anywhere you get a thud or spongy feel probably has rot. If rot appears to be present you can drill test holes from the inside (not all the way through) to determine the condition of the wood. If you detect wet or deteriorated wood it is time to make plans for a rebuild. There are many good threads here to help you with this.

 

[rockyrude]

Re: Thunderbird outboard transom

Thunderbird17, you have what looks to be a Sioux model.
tbird175, I just cut up some of the hard foam sheets from the box store and fitted it between the stringers. If you measure well and build up the same thickness for the transom, you should be O.K. with the outboard bolts, only two went through the splashwell on mine.

 

[tbird175]

Re: Thunderbird outboard transom

Thanks Rockyrude. I am looking forward to the project. I will post pics when I begin.