Transom crack - how to determine structural or not

B

Brad Hadfield

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Jul 20, 2008
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I'm considering purchasing a boat with a crack at the transom. From what I've read on similar threads the consensus is rotten wood and a new transom is required. But how can I tell this is a structural crack or a minor one? The crack is only present on the top surface. When I push to motor up and down the crack does move a little.

Thanks, (new to forum)

Brad

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Bondo

Bondo

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Re: Transom crack - how to determine structural or not

When I push to motor up and down the crack does move a little.
Click to expand...

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard Brad,....

I'd walk Away from That 1.....
 
ondarvr

ondarvr

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11,527
Re: Transom crack - how to determine structural or not

If it moves with you just pushing up and down on the motor then there are problems. Think of the amount of stress that outboard puts on it at speed.

Unless you want a big project that will cost a couple $1,000 and several months of dirty work, run the other way.
 
B

Brad Hadfield

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Jul 20, 2008
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Re: Transom crack - how to determine structural or not

What I'm really looking for here is a way to test for rotten wood either through the crack or by some other inspection method. This particular boat is a rather rare 1990 BassKota which features a scalloped stern shortening the straight part of the transom to about a third of the rear width.

Also, if the wood is pretty good, is there a way to shore up the transom through some means of additional support (angle iron, threaded rods...) or would I have to rip out the whole hinder end? The price is right but I don't need to spend $$ or a lot of time fixing it.

Thanks,

Brad
 
pduquette

pduquette

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Jun 22, 2007
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Re: Transom crack - how to determine structural or not

Hi Brad ! welcome!
Earlier this year I took a trip from Ma to Ga to look at a cool old Procraft . A lot of the same problems and then some. I had to force myself to walk away.Actually, I took a good friend with me to remind me of my pre-determined "bottom line" . You realy gotta figgure what you want to get into,what you have for resources( tools/garage/helpfull friends that can be bribed with beer:D) how much you want to spend , how much the project should cost( ALWAYS tripple your most logical guess),after you can decide to pass or have fun .:) I hope my insight (rant?) will help .BTW -do I still wonder if I should have??? yes1:D:D:D
 
B

Brad Hadfield

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Joined
Jul 20, 2008
Messages
3
Re: Transom crack - how to determine structural or not

Well I guess this one is in the "too good to be true" category. I'll just have to keep looking.

Thanks everyone for your advice,

Brad
 
ondarvr

ondarvr

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11,527
Re: Transom crack - how to determine structural or not

The transom moves when you push on it, it makes no difference if the wood is good or not, it needs to be repaired. It may be from bad wood (most likely), bad design or poor workmanship, any of these will need to be repaired by ripping out the transom area so you can get to it from the inside. When you get the transom out you'll typically find that the floor and stringers are rotten also.

There are no quick fixes for a transom.
 
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