85 Wellcraft elite transom replace.

85elite

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Ok I guess I can post so here is the rest of the story. I replaced my floor, stringers and motor well area a few years back. I have always looked at the transom area but have never been concerned too much as I have not had any issues. I noticed years back that the outside of the transom was spider cracked but for everyone who raised an eyebrow I was always able to find someone who said it was common. As of late I am seeing larger cracks that will post later.
At this point I am thinking replacing from the outside as the inside is complete and strong and my concerns are the outside skin.
I have been reading on this subject for a few years and following posts of others at this point I would appreciate any and all giving me your advice.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Welcome aboard.

you generally never want to repair from the outside. post pics.

the transom should be replaced from the inside to get adequate tabbing without the requirement of a complete exterior refinish.

Post pics.
 

85elite

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Yeah I've read that Scott. In this case I will be doing a full repair from the outside and also a full repaint so probably the best to attack from outside in this case especially since it's all cracked anyeay?
 

85elite

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Jeez finally I figured out how to post a pic here. So I suppose since I can't post maybe I shouldn't try to tackle the transom job!
Hopefully you can see my issues. I am on vacation and trying to post this by phone.
Thanks
Jim
 

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kcassells

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hey so....anyway welcome aboard! Need more pics, wider shots, access shots if you have the ability. So like others said, transoms from the inside cause the stringers go to the transom. Not the other way round. It's the most integral part of support for engine and structure. But you are able to approach this any way you like.
Sorry about the bummer. More pics of stringer to inside transom. Maybe you can use that there plasticy pour in stuff. Check out sphelps thread.
"Save The Manatee "
 

85elite

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Hey thanks for the reply! It does leave me a bit confused though as I have been reading where several people have replaced from the outside?
As you can see o have been struggling with the pics but will try again.
Jim
 

Woodonglass

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Some boats lend themselves to doing a transom replacement from the outside others don't. Better pics of the entire back of the boat from both the inside and out will give us an opportunity to see what you're working with and give you the best advice. You CAN do a good job of replacing the transom from the outside but...It has it's challenges. Those cracks are mostly superficial cracking of the gelcoat due to the transom core flexing. It's NOT that hard to repair them without the hassle of putting in a NEW fiberglass Stern.
 

85elite

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That's encouraging news woodonglass. I will Definately try to get some better shots tomorrow and post them. I'm not against going inside just thought I had a major issue with the cracking on the outside.
 

Woodonglass

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Don't misunderstand please!!! I'm fairly certain you will need to replace the transom still. But...depending on how your boat is constructed will determine the best method to accomplish the replacement.
 

85elite

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Oh I have NO doubt it will have to be replaced woodonglass. My concern has been the exterior of the transom. I cannot seem to get a good picture of how much spider cracking is going on.
Jim
 

jbcurt00

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To remove and replace the transom from the outside, you'll probably be wrapping glass onto the lower hull which may change the profile of the hull bottom.

Other then some cracking, whats the motivation to do it from the outside?

If the transom is shot, the deck and stringers need to be well inspected so there is likely a good but of work on the interior side anyway.

Fill and fair or other cosmetic repairs on the outside sounds like a small bit of 'extra' work if you have interior work to do anyway. Rather then do interior work and then cut the transom out from the exterior too. That'll be lots of structural work then lots of fill and fair to blend and transition the new glass out onto the hull sides and bottom after you wrap the glass over the edges of the transom.

Lots of great info in the resto forum. Dig in, it'll be helpful once you get to both the tear down and put back stages.

Welcome to iboats
 
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85elite

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Thanks jbcurt00. My initial intent was to do the transom repair from the inside as that is the only way I thought it could be done. I have already done the stringers and totally redone the whole bilge area along with replaced all the floors.
So I suppose the next question is why didn't I do the transom at that time and at that time my builder and I looked at the area we so no signs of a bad transom but we did not do any in depth look at it. Looking back not a good decision!

I have been reading a lot of builds and discussions on this site along with others. The exterior shell of the transom seems a bit worse and I was worried it was too bad to repair. When I saw people were repairing from the outside I thought this was my answer.
 

85elite

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Here are my pics I will send a few more.
 

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85elite

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Ok here are all the pics I have if anything else is needed I can take more.
 

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85elite

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I need to apologize to all. I just jumped in and really did not introduce myself on other sites that is considered rude.
My name is Jim and my family and I have been enjoying our 1985 Wellcraft elite since 2001. We bought it in Kansas City where we lived at the time. We took it with us to Northern Michigan, South Dakota and now Wyoming. It has went through 3 kids and has become a part of our family and my wife and I have so many fond memories in it. We could never part with this boat as I am sure many of you on this site feel the same way.

Thank you so much for the responses I have received so far and I look forward to making new friends and learning from the pros on here.

Thanks
Jim
 

Woodonglass

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Here's my suggestion. Get the motor out and the outdrive off and clean her up on the inside and then post pics of the inside from a bit futher back so we can see the entire width of the area. Since she's an I/O you'll prolly have enuf room on the inside without removing the cap, to replace the transom. Pics will tell us more. You COULD do it from the outside and do a good job and NOT have to wrap any glass around the edges but it WILL be a challenge. When it's time, get that motor out and send more pics. I Highly recommend a FREE Photobucket account for your pics and then use the IMG Code from PB to copy and paste into your iBoats thread. Works really well and the pics are automatcally resized.
 

85elite

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So I had to post a few pics of my boat. It's been very good to us and now it's my turn to return the favor!
 

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85elite

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Woodonglass while this isn't mine (it's mrthunder7) it is a twin to mine. The stringer and bilge area on mine was complete almost exact as his. This is the reason the outside option was so appealing to me.
May help?
 

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