1974 Grady Weekender Transom

[demarko210]

My transom is water logged. When I place my finger in the upper parts of the transom where the motor bracket and ladder rest, it is soaked with water. I also notice from the inside looking out in the same location I can see light making it way through. Is there anything I can do to as a temporary fix to stop the water intrusion without removing the motor until the end of the season. My bilge pumps works over time when I am anchored but when trolling I am fine. I would like to stay a night on the water this year and fishing but nervous about this. The motor does not wobble when I am cruising but I know this transom needs to be replaced. I am in the process of learning how to fiberglass and making molds. Anyone willing to help thanks.

 

[Woodonglass]

Uhmmm, Maybe but in all seriousness I wouldn't advise it!!! With that big ole "Tower of Power" Merc' hanging off the back of her, I'd be fixing her the Right way else, you might be doing a search and recover for the motor on the bottom of the lake!!! Boat too!!!!

 

[demarko210]

@Woodonglass When I take this to a fiberglass shop, will I have an option of asking them to poor Seacast in that location or should I be expected to replace the entire transom?

 

[harleyman1975]

Only you know if the transom is still sound enough to use for another season. Tip up the motor and climb on and bounce it a couple of times. no flex = you should be ok...if it flexes, well...

 

[Woodonglass]

Yup ^^^ this Bounce Technique is a Good method to tell how bad off the Transom is. If it flexes even just a bit, it needs to be totally replaced. Seacast can be an option depending on how thick your inner skin is or if you want to build an inner retaining wall for it if the inner skin isn't sufficient. It IS much more costly and IF you have a Shop do your transom replacement be prepared to pay a LOT of money. You can do it LOT's cheaper. Also if your transom is bad there's a very good chance that the stringers could be compromised as well.

 

[mrdjflores]

+1 for Wood...

yes, typical boats will rot from the bottom up and from the stern to the bow (back to front)...
if the transom is rotten, then you have a good chance the stringers are mush too.....if you have any soft spots in the floor, that again is another sign of the stringers turned to mush also.....

when in doubt....safety first