1985 Cheetah transom repair.

M

McKinney

Recruit
Joined
Jan 5, 2026
Messages
2
Hello! I finally got to join this forum. I've been trying for months and it keeps telling me to click an email link I never get, so I used my Gmail and it worked. But aside from that, I'm glad I got in because there seems to be a ton of knowledge here. Short version of my story is i managed to find my grandpa's old boat and got it home. Discovered it has a soft spot in the transom so I'll be learning how to replace it in the near future. Im betting between youtube and this forum I should get alot of tips and get this boat back on the water.
 

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M

McKinney

Recruit
Joined
Jan 5, 2026
Messages
2
My grandpa bought it almost brand new from the first owner that owned it one season. He sold it to my cousin maybe 15 years ago and then it was sold about 5 years ago to a guy land then ended up on marketplace last year. My grandpa's since passed so there's definitely sentimental value in this boat for me. Its in very good shape for its age, minus the transom issue but I expected to have to put some work in being its a 40 year old boat.
 

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Scott Danforth

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,921
The only youtube vids to watch are FriscoBoaters. Which are in the 3rd sticky down. Everything you need is in the sticky at the top of the forum.
 
redneck joe

redneck joe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 18, 2009
Messages
14,173
Welcome to the forum.

It will not be the cheapest nor easiest thing you've ever done but since you have an emotional connection I bet will be the most satisfying.
 
B

bakerjw

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 3, 2013
Messages
306
I bought an 1989 Stratos CC. Around here there aren't many CCs so I made an impulse buy. Loved the boat but it was HEAVY and most of the wood was waterlogged.
94 days straight to get it back on the water. Long hot itchy days.
You'll do good and the people here are the best.
 
B

bakerjw

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 3, 2013
Messages
306
To add. You might want to start up a thread in the Boat Restoration, Building, and Hull Repair subforum.
I am unfamiliar with the boat model but it looks like an I/O. If the transom is soft, you more than likely will have more wet wood in the boat. That is not a deal breaker but be aware of the potential can of worms waiting to be opened. As it was your grandfathers boat, I say go for it. Just go in with eyes wide open and ask questions. This IS the best place

As it was your grandfathers boat, I say go for it. I am a proponent of pulling the cap if possible as it gives easier access to the transom, stringers and bulkheads. Might have to build a cradle for the boat to keep it's form.

On YouTube, for lessons on how to do things, this is the place IMHO. https://www.youtube.com/@FishBumpTV
 
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