bayliner transom

Hi, I have just gotten a 1985 19' bayliner capri bowrider. The problem is the transom needs some repairs and I'm not sure how to go about it. I have searched the forums and have learned the basics but I have some more specific questions. The first thing I need to know is if I have to remove the top cap of the boat to repair the transom. It looks like the previous owner attached a metal brace to the transom and then it cracked down the sides of that. I have included some pics. Thanks for any and all help.
Ryan

Re: bayliner transom

I have never done an OB so this may not be totally correct. Form you pics yes you need to pull the top cap. My inboard did not require this. It appears to be the only way to get the rotten plywood out so you can replace it.

Re: bayliner transom

The advice I was given (I have exactly the same boat but with a solid transom) was to slice off the top cap and then using a chainsaw, dig out the old plywood. Then fill it with seacast and then replace the cap and tidy it all up.

Seemed sensible advice to me - fortunately my rot turned out to be superficial to a section of floor from the top down - not from the bottom up.

Re: bayliner transom

I read about that seacast stuff, has anyone ever actually used it? How hard is it to remove the top cap? I want to get the work professionally done but I would like to do as much of the prep as possible myself. This is my first boat so I'm trying to learn as much as possible.

Re: bayliner transom

Hi, just finished my 21.5' campion (nearly the same moulds). I'll bet that you don't have an inner skin to be able to use seacast (I looked into it). What i did was pop the cap (175 rivets with rubrail) to access the transom. You may as well look into doing this as you'll then be able to access the stringers and assess ( one of mine was completely shot to the bow). I've never worked with fiberglass much before and although this turned out to be a HUGE job it turned out fantastic, 100x stronger than Campion built and I am completely confident in being out on the water with the family. Everything i learned was on this forum, there are some incredibly generous and helpful guys (Oops, Jeff Bisson, and others). I'm really glad i ended up doing it myself, learn't a ton, saved some bucks (minus my labor!), and have an incredible sense of accomplishement. Ask away and i'm sure many will chime in.......
Doug

Re: bayliner transom

Based on the pics you posted, I do not believe your transom is a candidate for a seacast pour. I would recommend popping the cap an replacting with wood. It IS some work but as McGyver said, You'll save a ton of money, learn a lot, and have a better boat in the end. Remove the rubber from the rub rail, drill out the rivets and remove the cap. Cut out the floor the then remove the transom. LOTS of pics and examples here on the forum on how to do it. Post some more pics of your boat so we can get and overall picture of what she looks like.