Transom Question - 1977 Chrysler 16' Bass Pro

[cpo1]

My 1977 16' Chrysler Bass Pro has a transom width of 58". The thickness is 1 1/2" and is made with 3/4" plywood (x2). The vertical height is 20" and 26" wide in the center of the transom The top on each side is 7" vertical from the top of the transom and 15" wide. The transom is comprised of 3 pieces, center and two top side pieces. I don't find much information on transom removal here on the forum. But I do see some youtube videos about removing a transom and it looks like everything except a backhoe has been used to remove a transom. I understand the patience part of this and I've used wood chisels. But I'm wondering if anyone has literally drilled a transom out (honeycomb) using a drill and a follow-up chisel and a good multi-tool blade? I've used a honeycomb approach in the past for other projects and found the chisel to be easier to use with this method. Drilling always seemed easier than just the hammer and chisel. Sacrificing a drill (making it short so as not to drill into the fiberglass) seems logical as well. Just curious to see if others have a better mouse-trap for a transom removal project. Thanks again for your comments and help.

 

[Scott Danforth]

remove inner skin with oscillating blade tool

option 1

• remove transom wood with electric chain saw (takes some practice, however chews thru the rotten wood easy and generally stops at the fiberglass)
• clean up hull skin with 24 grit wheels on the 4.5" angle grinder
• clean up the old inner-skin tabbing

option 2

• remove transom wood with circular saw - set blade depth of saw to just shy of 1.5" and cut to little squares about 2x2
• use prybar to start
• use hammer to knock off remainder
• clean up hull skin with 24 grit wheels on the 4.5" angle grinder
• clean up the old inner-skin tabbing

life is too short to try to drill into a honeycomb and use a chisel

 

[cpo1]

Thanks for your reply Scott Danforth. Much appreciated. I like the 2nd option. I'm not familiar with the term "old inner skin tabbing." Can you help me on that? I'll soon give it the All American try and see how it goes. I also have angle grinders. I'll update with photos as well.

 

[Scott Danforth]

the old tabbing left when you remove the inner transom skin

you will need to remove that

additionally, when you get to the stringers, you will need to remove them as well. transom and stringers usually rot together