88 Ebbtide transom repair.

[Idlespeedonly]

Well it looks like the bad transom gremlin has visited me also. I have a 22-1/2 foot Ebbtide with a Cuddy cabin. We were on the Tennessee river this weekend when my youngest was trying to turn on the lights. He didnt know which switch to flip so he started flipping them all. In the process he turned the bilge pump on. To my surprise water was coming out. all last year it never leaked a drop, this was with it being in the water for a couple of days. This time we were only in the water for about three hours. It looks like it is coming in from the lower portion of the outdrive. There is also a gap between the transom and lower portion of the gimble housing. I pulled the drain plug assembly out to see if I could see anything. the hole that was drilled from the factory doesnt appear to have been sealed at all. So I am assuming this is were this problem more than likely originated. In the picture The gray shaded area is where the water damage is located. I have drilled quite a few holes and have determined this is the area in question. Areas 2 and 3 are all part of the transom. Area 3 has an additional piece of what looks like 1/2" plywood glassed over the main transom, this area apears to be around 2-1/2 thick. Areas 1 are the sides of the engine bay and the floor. These boxes are hollow, there is no rot anywhere on these areas. My first question, can I replace area 3 and not touch areas 2 since they check out good? There are also a couple of pictures of the actual thing. Any and all help is really appreciated. If it wasnt for pulling the engine this project wouldnt bother me at all.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg284/randy0048/2012-04-02_08-43-32_808.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg284/randy0048/2012-04-02_08-42-55_381.jpg

 

[satx78247]

Re: 88 Ebbtide transom repair.

randytezlaff,

i can see NO good reason to replace all the transom IF you're sure that you've found all the rot. - but i'd be REALLY sure that the rest is sound & DRY.

yours, satx

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: 88 Ebbtide transom repair.

"To my surprise water was coming out."

There should never be a surprise on a boat in the water. Just sayin.

Please have a (professional) complete check done before you go out again and every year afterwards.

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: 88 Ebbtide transom repair.

"To my surprise water was coming out."

There should never be a surprise on a boat in the water. Just sayin.

Please have a (professional) complete check done before you go out again and every year afterwards.

It was maybe a gallon at most. We used it quite alot last year, never a single drop. That is why I was surprised. I have been around boats my whole life, I know alot of them leak a little.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: 88 Ebbtide transom repair.

Glad to hear and I hope I didn't offend. I just don't want to read about another statistic...especially one of ours.

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: 88 Ebbtide transom repair.

Glad to hear and I hope I didn't offend. I just don't want to read about another statistic...especially one of ours.

No problem at all.
I know these transoms are pretty tough. When I was younger my dad had a Stratos bass boat with a V8 on it. And never had any issues with it. I have seen boats tested in Stuart Florida before. I would never imagine a boat could take abuse like they put those boats through. I just want to make sure it is as strong or stronger than original.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 88 Ebbtide transom repair.

IMHO, which some people say ain't worth much, I never recommend a "Partial" transom replacement. If you're gunna repair part of it, repair all of it. Again, JMHO.

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: 88 Ebbtide transom repair.

I was kinda afraid that was going to be mentioned. If I replace the complete transom , I assume that part of the floor is going to come up also? Because the transom goes behind it? I do understand why a partial isnt the best way though.

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: 88 Ebbtide transom repair.

Thinking about it, I would have to remove a large section of floor, to be able to get the new transom back in place.