I am going to look at a Starcraft Islander and I have no idea how to check the condition of the transom since it's a tinny. The boat has an I/O if that makes any difference. Thanks for the help.
disagree, you stick a something in my transom, we will have some rough discussion. take a wooden handled hammer, tap the inside of the transom with the handle, sharp rap is solid, thud is rotten or wet.
Iv'e replaced my transom in a similar boat (StarChief) and it really isn't that hard, I wouldn't consider it a deal breaker, just consider it a barganing point
Either method described works well...used them both. If the seller is touchy about the transom...walk on...too many others out there to choose from.
Never buy a horse without seeing the teeth, regardless of what is said about it.
Another quick way that will tell you if it's bad (but not necessarily if it's good) is to use an Ohm meter. If you can find a place to get to the wood that is a few inches apart and not connected by metal. I have used transducer screw holes before. Make sure that the leads dont touch the outer metal skin. If there is continuity there is probably water in there. Won't give you any idea about dry rot though. I would venture that a large portion of boats that are 20 + years old and have transoms below the water line are in need of a transom. I just assume it and pay accordingly then if it's good that's a bonus.
