1971 MFG Westfield Transom

[bhw23]

TO all the experts:

This summer I was given a 1971 MFG Westfield. The one problem with it, as you can probably guess, is the transom. I began by removing the rotten wood with a chisel, and then went to the chainsaw which was very effective. But I was to nervous about cutting a hole in the bottom. I initially wanted to use seacast, but the price just seemed to expensive for the amount I needed. So now I am planning on using plywood, 2 3/4'' pieces plywood glassed together. I removed the inner wall fiberglass from the transom (did it very clean so it can be glassed back in easily). But my issue now is the curved transom. I built a jig to the exact curve of the transom, and successfully built a large steam box to steam the wood. The only problem is I didn't leave the wood in long enough, so it did not take the shape. I am planning to steam them again, but started work this week so my free time is almost gone now. Let me know how you feel about this. Also, I am concerned that transom space, is not sealed from the lower section of the hull (underneath the deck). This is going to allow water into the transom, probably rotting it fast again. How does this sound? Any suggestions?

 

[Lightnig]

Re: 1971 MFG Westfield Transom

On my project, I am going to build the transom to the correct size and shape, then completely encase it in 'glass prior to installing it in the boat. Once it is in I will tab it in place in the boat I am planning to fill any voids around the sides or bottom with PL (same stuff I used to laminate the 2 * 3/4" sheets together), and do another couple complete layers of 'glass across the transom overlapping the side of the hull 6 - 8".

Any holes I drill will be run oversize, filled with glass and then drilled to correct size. This way there will be no exposed wood anywhere on mine.

 

[evildocrsx]

Re: 1971 MFG Westfield Transom

On my project, I am going to build the transom to the correct size and shape, then completely encase it in 'glass prior to installing it in the boat. Once it is in I will tab it in place and do another couple complete layers of 'glass across the transom overlapping the side of the hull 6 - 8".

Any holes I drill will be run oversize, filled with glass and then drilled to correct size. This way there will be no exposed wood anywhere on mine.

That seems like an exessive amount of work, but I guess it will be completely encased and won't have to worry about your transom rotting for another 100 years or so.