1977 shakespeare transom advice (my first boat)

[dbrown130]

Hey guys! New to the forum. Just bought my first fishing boat!! 14' 1977 Shakespeare with a 9.8 HP Mercury. I gave $800 for boat and trailer. It had been sitting in a garage covered up for 7 years. I noticed a crack on the transom. everything feels solid so im not sure if I should worry or not. Looking for any advice. Should I seal it up and let it go or could it be more of a problem? Will post pics. Thanks!

 

[dbrown130]

PICS

 

[jbcurt00]

Post a pix of the crack

Generally cracks large enough to need to be sealed arent a good thing...

Pix help
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/forum-rules-and-guidelines/9938375-photo-upload-tutorial

 

[dbrown130]

Post a pix of the crack

Generally cracks large enough to need to be sealed arent a good thing...

Pix help
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/forum-rules-and-guidelines/9938375-photo-upload-tutorial

Thanks for the reply. Attached pics just now.

 

[dbrown130]

PICS

 

[dbrown130]

Since the crack is not vertical or horizontal and not under or close to the motor mount I was thinking I shouldn't worry? I just don't want water to get in it so I thought some type of a sealant would be good to use? Or perhaps a fiberglass patch to help strengthen and prevent from cracking further?

 

[Woodonglass]

IMHO that crack was caused by The transom flexing under load. I'd be drilling some core samples(1/4" bit, on the inside, 1" deep, various locations) to determine the status of the inner wood core.

 

[dbrown130]

Like I said im a newbie so any advice and thoughts would be fantastic. Pretty sure the motor, trolly, trailer, and fish finder are worth what I paid for the boat so if I have to scrap it I suppose I can. Really like the boat though. Havnt taken it out yet.

 

[dbrown130]

IMHO that crack was caused by The transom flexing under load. I'd be drilling some core samples(1/4" bit, on the inside, 1" deep, various locations) to determine the status of the inner wood core.

If the wood core is OK then what would be the fix for the fiberglass crack itself? Thanks for replying!

 

[Woodonglass]

I doubt that it is but...If so then using a Drill or Dremel with a V Grooving bit, Grind out the crack to make it about 1/2" wide clean well with Acetone and then fill with Gelcoat Paste or thickened resin. You could also use Marine Tex filler IF you are going to paint it.

 

[dbrown130]

I doubt that it is but...If so then using a Drill or Dremel with a V Grooving bit, Grind out the crack to make it about 1/2" wide clean well with Acetone and then fill with Gelcoat Paste or thickened resin. You could also use Marine Tex filler IF you are going to paint it.

Thanks! I will start checking it all out. Have a great weekend.

 

[ezmobee]

Looks like a neat little boat. Got any more overall pics?