transom replacement on 87 Tracker

[riverrat17]

I had to cut the cap and the end corners off to gain access to the transom wood. I cut the corners on the existing welds so I would have more material to use when it comes time to weld every thing back. I have a small mig welder and am gonna use the correct aluminum wire. My question is this, do i have to use 100% argon gas or will the carbon dioxide gas I have be OK?

Also, I see most people say there transom is 1 1/2" thick. Mine was 1 1/4" thick.
Would it be best to use a sheet of 1" and a sheet of 1/4".....3/4 and 1/2....do they make 5/8 sheets?.....Would like to only by one sheet of plywood instead of two different size sheets.....

ALSO..I'm planning on using fiberglass with the sheet material to wrap the wood. Is this good and should I allow for the thickness of the fiber glass or will it be to minimal to account for?

Sorry so many questions but they just kept coming. I'm just glad I finally got all that rotten wood out....Took several hours today...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: transom replacement on 87 Tracker

Welcome to iBoats!
I would use PL adhesive to glue two pieces of 1/2 in exterior grade plywood together. I would then coat the whole thing with resin and lay 1708 Biax cloth on both sides and the edges with two more coats of resin. This should yield about 1 1/4 inch transom.

I'm just sayin...

 

[riverrat17]

Re: transom replacement on 87 Tracker

So what do you think about the welding and plywood issues......also where can I get the resin and fiberglass materials. Will Walmart or home depot have this or is it a marine grade type that will have to be bought at a marina.
thanks.....

 

[tonybalony]

Re: transom replacement on 87 Tracker

i know my welding supplier will take out whatevers in my tank and credit me.then fill the tank with what i need

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: transom replacement on 87 Tracker

Call a locat autobody shop and see where they get their fiberglass supplies. You need to get the un-Waxed resin, but, you will need to get some wax for the final coat.

I'm just sayin...