Transom repair question with pics

Gradywhite3535

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 29, 2012
Messages
480
I've been debating to repair my transom. But I'm going to have to do it soon. What do you think would be the easiest way of doing mine. Inside or outside? Plywood or a pour? If I would do it from the inside where would be a the best place to cut? What do you think is the core in my 1975 Grady white? Thanks
 

GT1000000

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
4,916
What ever the core is currently made of is basically irrelevant if it needs replacing...
The only way to pour a 'Sea-Cast' type transom would be to somehow dig out the old transom and create a "mold" to pour the liquid transom in...
The way the boat yards around here would do one like that is to cut off the outer skin, remove the bad, install the new, find a way to connect it to the stringers [ in most cases, some interior destruction and reconstruction is necessary to properly re-attach the transom], re-attach the outer skin, repair the gel finish as needed and be done with it...
The only caveat is whether or not the stringers are in good shape or not...if not then either selective surgery is done, if possible, if not possible, cap removal is indicated...huge money!
The first method described above, done by a good boat shop is the least expensive, obviously and relatively...depending on the labor involved and the size of the boat [ for charges relating to the dry dock/pulling and re-launching the boat], 3-5 grand is normal...not including any electrical/mechanical issues...
Don't expect much more than a "If it Floats and don't leak" warranty, though...
If you can do it yourself, you would obviously save a ton of cash in labor, but a ton of sweat equity would definitely be in your future...
Again, just to reiterate, if the transom is rotten, do not be surprised if some or all of the substructure is, too...unless of course it was fabricated originally out of materials other than fiberglass encased wood...
Best of luck!
GT1M
 
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Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,929
GT 1000000 is correct that most Boats built like a GW have their Transoms repaired from the outside. But Actually, on a GW you can cut away the interior and gain access to the transom on the inside and the rear portion of the stringers. This link should be of interest...
Grady White Transom Repair
 
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