Transom Repair using metal

[samo_ott]

Has anyone done this before. I just got a boat real cheap that the transom was really weak. So I bough some 11 gauge metal pieces (1/8") and got them cut to size. Painted white on the outside and primer on the inside. Bolted and spot welded the pieces on to the old transom and it is now rock solid. I can see a long term problem with this as it will still rot inside and the metal will eventually rust but it seems to be a great short term cheap fix. Any comments on the procedure?

And I posted a lot of pics here:

http://www.ovhi.ca/transom/transom_01.JPG

There are 13 photos here of the process from transom_01.JPG to transom_13.JPG

Steve

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Transom Repair using metal

Aluminum boat? I would strip the wood and do it right. It would give me piece of mind to do it right.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Transom Repair using metal

Fibreglass boat. I agree for doing it right but this was a quick easy method and very solid.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Transom Repair using metal

I've done similar with one of my small boats, added stainless steel on both sides, was as good as new, still perfect - 8 years later ......

 

[tomynoks]

Re: Transom Repair using metal

Looks pretty good... keep it painted with a good marine paint or at least a good oil-based enamel.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Transom Repair using metal

I see one major issue with that set-up. The clamps will want to compress the metal into the transom - 1/8 inch aluminum will flex a bit. The transom is rotted, so it will also compress. Over time and running the motor, the clamps will eventually loosen. Also, if you're using the old 40hp inside the boat, I don't recall if it has provision for bolting to the boat. If it does, the bolts will want to pull through the transom. Best to repair it right and not have to worry about it. That boat has an open transom area and would be about as easy as you can get with a glass boat's transom replacement... probably do it without even removing the deck!
- Scott

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Transom Repair using metal

Scott, it's 1/8" steel not aluminum. Very strong. It seems extremely solid so far. No question it could be done better but I wanted a quick easy fix on a cheap boat that I have no idea how long I will keep and the wife wanted her parking spot back pronto! I also made the steel as wide as I could so that it was bolted into solid transom at each end. I agree it will need retightening occasionally but it's infinitely better than how it was. The engine clamps has screwed right though the fibreglass almost to the other side as viewed in this pic http://www.ovhi.ca/transom/transom_04.JPG. Guy said he was driving it that way, and it was wobbling! Yikes!

Yes, I will need a good paint on it. So far I just put tremclad on it to stop it from rusting. Never thought of stainless. Next time! Assuming this one holds up.

 

[tmh]

Re: Transom Repair using metal

Hmmm.....could be a good fix, I'd say. The wood will continue to rot, but I see no safety issue as long as you check on the areas it's bolted into once in a while to make sure the whole thing doesn't fall off some day! It won't "sneak up on you" though, slow, gradual rot-growth.

Should last 10 yrs., right? Nothing wrong with that.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Transom Repair using metal

10 years would be great... I'll be happy with a couple! But yes, just like the front wheel of a bike, I'll check it regularly for structure and clamp tightness. thx...

 

[bosavy]

Re: Transom Repair using metal

my first boat had 1/8 inch alluminum plates on both sides. worked good for about 3 years then started to really move around. i did it over with new wood in
about 2 weekends and it was done

 

[PHILRAJOTTE]

Re: Transom Repair using metal

IF YOU ON SALTWATER STEEL WILL NOT HOLD UP FOR LONG I RECOMEND USING 5086 ALUMINUM 3/16 THICK