Want to do transom

[1983rinker]

I have a 1983 Rinker. My transom is still kind of strong. I just have a little rotten wood on one side. Can I just replace that or do I do the whole thing?? Or can I just put a aluminum 1/4" plate attatched to the transom in shape of the transom?

 

[drewpster]

Re: Want to do transom

This question comes up all the time. Unfortunately, if your transom is rotten the only safe option is to replace it correctly. Adding plates or attempting to reinforce it is a gamble at best.
The work it will take to replace half of it is the same as the work to replace all of it. So you may as well do the whole thing and do it right.
There are other things to consider as well. The majority of boats needing a new transom will also need structural work under the deck. It is likely that the stringers and possibly the deck core itself will need repairs.
I know it is hard to face, I had a hard time accepting it myself. However if you go ahead, bite the bullet, and get it fixed right, you end up with a boat better than new.

Then, you can justify a new engine, controls, sounder, lighting, electrical, bells whistles, rocket launchers, sirens.........

Make it happen Captain!

enjoy
drewp

 

[1983rinker]

Re: Want to do transom

Thanks for the info.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Want to do transom

I agree with Drewp on this.

Looking at your pics both port and starboard of your upper mounts are starting to fail. ( I could be wrong here..its holloween and im one eyed ).

seriously..your transom has indications of silicone fills and other fix-it-up for now things.

Now is the time to remove your unit and start Looking very closely at what you have here. I would bet your into a trans job. At least an upper trans/glass job.

Or you can leave it alone.. just dont put in reverse with much power IMHO.

YD.

 

[1983rinker]

Re: Want to do transom

Ya, it just a few little things up top. Its still strong with no flex. Im going to reglass the a few spots and seal everything up. There maybe 1 foot of wet wood. So i my remove that and redue that spot.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Want to do transom

Rot is like cancer and will spread. You need to get it all out or you'll be sealing wet/rot in. That transom has already been band-aided. I'd replace it. Looks like a nice little boat that would be worth fixing properly.

 

[westexasrepublic]

Re: Want to do transom

Rot is like cancer and will spread. You need to get it all out or you'll be sealing wet/rot in. That transom has already been band-aided. I'd replace it. Looks like a nice little boat that would be worth fixing properly.

X2, no need to sweep more dirt under the carpet...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Want to do transom

Three Words

Replace it ALL!!!!


I'm just sayin...

 

[drewpster]

Re: Want to do transom

Rotten boats can be dangerous. I do not mean to question your judgment, if you say it can be repaired safely, then ok. But be advised that old fiberglass boats do not last forever. A seemingly solid part can be weaker than you estimate. Its not about making the boat last forever or having a show boat, its about safety. So please take a close look at what you are working on. Failures do occur and the risks can be very high.

 

[1983rinker]

Re: Want to do transom

Thanks for all the info. I let you all know when I start. And I my need your help.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Want to do transom

Get the motor off, the silicone dug out, trim pieces off, and start digging around a bit you may find its alot worse than you think. Mine was total mush and I didn't even know it. I still cant believe how lucky I was that there was never a major accident After the new transom it was solid as a rock and never leaked a drop.

 

[1983rinker]

Re: Want to do transom

Will do, I never had a water prob. Less then 1 cup after all day boating. I will repair it this winter.

 

[strtbobber]

Re: Want to do transom

I got an old boat for next to nothing and I was excited to "feel" that the transom was solid. I joined iboats and asked a bunch of questions, just as you have, and my exciting new (old) boat has turned into a complete resto.

Once I peeled a bit of the fibreglass off to have a closer peak at the transom, it showed how bad it was rotted. And once I started digging out the old transom......OMG......I was so glad I listened to these guys.......it was totally rotted...BUT...when I first got it, it "felt" solid.

I would replace the complete transom...........(then, on to the stringers..teehee )

Good luck! And trust these guys!

 

[1983rinker]

Re: Want to do transom

I took motor off today. I will remove my bracket and trim on friday. I post photos then. Thanks all so much for you help and info.