uh-oh transom wet

[sirsnap]

Well i have a 1982 cobalt w/ 260 mercruiser. I just bought the boat about a month ago. Sat. when i was installing a fish finder I drilled the hole through the transom for the transducer wires i found wet wood. This is pretty disturbing and not sure what i should check next. I didn't think cobalt used any wood in main structure areas. Looks like i have about 3/4 to 1" fiberglass then 3/4 " wood and a thin fiberglass inner. This has me very worried any opinions would be appreciated.

Thankyou.
Rich

 

[Stumedic]

Re: uh-oh transom wet

My boat has 4 holes thru the transom to mount the engine, 2 to drain the outboard well, 2 for the trim tab hoses, 6 for the tab mounting screws, 3 thru hulls and a drain. When I removed 1 of the 3 more screws holding the transducer cable water started seeping out. The water was crystal clear however-no brown. I drilled a test hole near by and found wet wood but solid wood. I can't see the transom ever staying dry with all the holes punched thru it, but I am curious if the water is a problem waiting to happen?

 

[epresutti]

Re: uh-oh transom wet

sirsnap,

Water will eventually weaken and rot the wood. If the wood is solid the transom can be dried. (there is a technique of drilling holes in the glass and applying heat until dry). As to keeping the transom dry, every hole I have in my boat has 3m 5200 in each bolt and screw to seal the hole. Drill the hole fill with 5200, put 5200 on end of screw, drive into wood. Water will never get in with that stuff.

If you see any brown "syrup" from any hole it is a sure sign of rot. You can tap the transom with a hammer (use some protection so you don't hurt the glass) and listen. If you find hollow spots you may want to drill a small hole and find out what you have, then fill hole later.

Hope this helps.

Peace.

Ed.

 

[sirsnap]

Re: uh-oh transom wet

Thankyou i'll start checking out the whole transom. i'm hoping it's not rotten, but we'll see.

Thankyou\
Rich

 

[epresutti]

Re: uh-oh transom wet

sirsnap,

One more thought, you can hear the difference of a tap on a solid piece of wood vs. a soft piece of wood. It is hard to describe, but it should "ring" rather than "thud" if you understand what I am trying to say.

Good Luck.

Peace.

Ed.

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: uh-oh transom wet

Wet wood is bad, rot is inevitable. If you have solid wood, you are in luck, it must be dried completly, not sure how and sealed to prevent more water from coming in. I took out my transom screws and found solid wood on top two and damp coffee grounds on the bottom four. Now I'm getting the engine pulled so I can replace the transom. Look for signs of stress, spider cracks etc. this is a clear sign things are beginning to rot. Let the fun begin!

 

[Stumedic]

Re: uh-oh transom wet

It seems the "seacast" method looks pretty simple-and permanant. Since I looked into it I'm not too worried about having to replace a transom if that day ever comes.

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: uh-oh transom wet

I considered it but it is much better suited to Outboard set-ups. I'm not taking a chainsaw to my I/O transom!