[cclaeys]

I have replaced the old wood in the transom, the problem I am having is that I cant decide (read: make an educated decision) on how to attach it - wood screws or bolts. It has matching holes on each side of a lip that the wood slides under, would it be stronger/better if I put a bolt all the way through or used wood screws from each side?

[phatmanmike]

stainless steel bolts, nuts and washers

[JB]

Ditto PMM.

[Sean Riddle]

Stainless Steel hardware , (bolts ,nuts and washers ), is all I have ever seen used to attach plywood to aluminum in the transom area. Stainless steel is what I would use and would recommend be used . Hope this helps, RR

[Catchem]

Chris,that's how mine was attached on my 16' starcraft aluminum.Stainless bolts washers and nuts.

[cclaeys]

Found some good fitting 10 x 32 2" stainless screws/bolts at the depot this evening. They even had the locking nylong nuts and matching flat washers and lock washers too - good score I hope. So you would use the through the wood method even when it is aluminum on one side and wood on the other? You guys use anything to "seal" these when installing, like 5200 or anything like that? The wood is fully soaked with a triple coat of thinned epoxy and should last dang near forever, just want to do this job once. Appreciate the help guys- this project is turning out really nice.

[Sean Riddle]

Hey Chris , 5200 would be a good idea. You can never get too sealed up when dealing with the transom area of a boat. Besides spending the $8 bucks for a tube of sealant is a heck of a lot better than replacing that wood again . Seal it up TIGHT!!! RR