Transom Leak

[brhodes]

Looking for some wisdom on this issue. See attahed pics, my drive/motor are in sig. I backed it down on the ramp last night and it began leaking, a steady trickle, after about 5 mins (motor not running). It appears to just be leaking at the corners, under the bolts. I have lurked here long enough to know what this could mean, and I'm going to test further for transom rot tonight using a straight edge and a fat man. When I tap the outside, I get some different sounds, but some of this could be caused by the "thickened" transom portion I think I see at the transom shield (interior pics). The end game I feel is to figure out if the transom is rotten, if it is I have a large mess, if it is not I can try to just replace the seal/etc (a medium sized mess), or maybe just the lower bolts . I did the bellows, gimble, trim senders, etc last year to correct a major leak, only to uncover this one. The previous owner did what you see on the lower bolt anodes. My questions would be:
1. Any thoughts on the photos
2. If I go with drilling into the back to inspect, where do you think I should try, and what should I fill in the holes with after I have a look? (this scares me a little)

Thanks for any advice, all is welcome.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Transom Leak

Ayuh,... Those Studs/ Bolts are aluminum, 'n if wet may have corroded in two..
Odds are, the transom is rotten,.. it's an Old boat...

You can Try fixin' the anode bolts, but I kinda doubt the effort will be worth it, unless it's during a full on transom wood replacement..

 

[brhodes]

Re: Transom Leak

Thanks Bond-O, I may give the bolts a try only cause I can re-use them when I have to replace the transom