UH-OH...water in transom

[northcreek2624]

Just purchased a used 99 GS 160 from a Glastron dealer.
I have a concern that may or may not be a problem.
While installing a depth finder tranducer I had to drill two small holes about two inches up from the bottom of the transom,the holes are one inch deep.
Although the drain plug was out and floor dry I had streams of water shooting out the holes.I then put a vacuum pump to the holes for eight hours to remove all the moisture and then put sealed screws into the holes.
After using the boat the water was back.
Iam concerned that this trapped water will rot my transom wood if it hasn't already.
Any insights/ideas?.....thanks,Mike

 

[jddenham]

Re: UH-OH...water in transom

It's too late - take it back to the dealer!

 

[mtnrat]

Re: UH-OH...water in transom

Yep likely wet stringers and floor too.

 

[Mark42]

Re: UH-OH...water in transom

Yes, try to return the boat if at all possable, even if you have to pay some fees. They will most likely be less than the repairs to the boat.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: UH-OH...water in transom

i agree good luck.

 

[northcreek2624]

Re: UH-OH...water in transom

Guys,just a follow-up on what I heard from both my dealer and Glastron tech support,I bounced off of both to verify what they were telling me.
My particular boat has fiberglass stringers and the transom is resin impregnated inside and out.
They say that the water can be removed,the leak found and sealed and it will be fine.My dealer even offered to do it.
I made a SS fitting which will be permanently mounted at the bottom of the transom,this will allow me to connect an A/C vacuum pump which can remove moisture from just about anything.Later I will apply about 5 lbs. pressure at that point and snoop(soapy water) for the leak....Mike.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: UH-OH...water in transom

hmmmmmm........

sounds like everyone joined up to feed you a great example of damage control.

Think about the way a boat is constructed. Under the floor there are compartments formed by the joints of stringers and other structural members. There are many such compartments; most are probably filled with foam. The holes you drilled allowed evidence to show of moisture in the compartment you drilled into. What about the other compartments? How are you ever going to know if there's water in there as well?

One thing you could do would be to weigh the boat and compare the result to what the boat is supposed to weigh; factoring in the engine and whatever else you have added on. If there is much water anywhere; the difference in weight will indicate such.

Still; if I were you I'd try to return the boat if you can do so at a reasonable cost.

Thanks for reading, and good luck. Chuck