Transom cap ?

[gm280]

I realize most every transom is unique to each boat. And therefore no two are exactly alike even in the same hull design. But I have an idea to post to get feedback from those in the know.

If a person were to take some typical roofing flashing, being aluminum for the most part and easy to work with, and cut a strip long enough and wide enough to form a transom cap, do you think it would work?

Being such light weight (small gauge) material, it would seem if you allowed about a 1/2" or a little more for each side to fold down over the transom edges, it would make a really nice one. And even with the bends each transom needs, the expanding and contractions for those bends wouldn't be a serious issue. I am just throwing it out there for feedback. Has anybody actually made such a transom cap?

I ask because I have to make one for my Tom Boy Hull now. The old one was merely 1/2" wide and the new transom is very close to 2" wide. So obviously the old one is not going to be used again. But it was really bent up anyway.

You could even pre-bend a channel to fit the transom width and then work the angles for the bends as you get to them on the transom. IDK

So what do you all think?

 

[Scott Danforth]

if you were in Florida, I would make one for you

I grew up with a grandfather in the tin-knockin business (Heating/Plumbing/etc). so Dad and I had access to his breaks. so we simply bent up new caps as needed on boats growing up

however you can get 5052 aluminum strips or even aluminum channel from McMaster Carr

aluminum channel https://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-aluminum-u-channels/=18yfle3

aluminum sheet https://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-aluminum-sheets/=18yfm84

however if you have an aluminum fab house near by, for about $30 they can make you one so all you do is install.

 

[kcassells]

Is there an mechanical benefit to the transom cap? Assuming the transom is glassed properly?

 

[gm280]

Is there an mechanical benefit to the transom cap? Assuming the transom is glassed properly?

I don't think a transom cap offers anything towards structural integrity. But it does help keep water at bay. And it actually dresses the transom off as well.

I believe I can make a very nice polished one from roofing flashing. Being how it is merely there to cap off water from trying to enter the transom, it doesn't have to be anything thick. And I can most certainly polish the thin aluminum flashing like I did with the aluminum rub-rail. You can make it look near like chrome.

I already have a lot of roof flashing on a roll and a lot of braking tools. So no biggie at least giving it a try. :noidea: JMHO