Lets see if i can get some transom help

ok im working on a 1977 checkmate. have gutted the boat all of the floor and stingers were shot. i was under the assumption that the transom was bad also. i drilled a test hole near the drain plug the wood was not rotten but i could squeeze moisture out of the wood shavings. i have looked at all other holes through the transom and they dont look rotten. it just looks like thirty yr old wood. everything seems solid on it and it had a 175 hanging off of it for the past 10yrs i know with not attention. i have added some pictures i hope i can get some imput.

Re: Lets see if i can get some transom help

I am no expert. I know if you found moisture in the test hole that's not good.
I would drill more holes and see what else you find.
Looks like the top of the transom has split and that area could let in water also.

If it were my boat I would pull the transom and replace with new.
Since you have gone this far, it's not that much more to replace it. Better safe now than have
it all back together and a few years later the transom goes.

There should be some experts chime in also.

Re: Lets see if i can get some transom help

The top was sealed with a plate that's what happened when I removed it.

Re: Lets see if i can get some transom help

I'm in total agreement with Decker IF... You plan on keeping this boat for long term. You've had her 10 yrs if you want her 10 more then remove and replace the transom but... If you're looking for a quick fix and get her back in the water for a few more years and then junk her well... you might put some heat on her and some fans and try and dry her out for a while, patch up all the cracks and holes and bundle her back up.