91 OMC sunbird transom rot questions

[63Thornes]

I have a '91 omc sunbird with the GM 3.0l engine and the cobra outdrive. Before I purchased the boat one of the previous owners had damaged the bottom of the boat just under the outdrive on some rocks. I knew this before I bought it and checked the repair integrity for both watertightness and rigity and it was ok. There was a touch of water coming in but I was unsure where from as it was a very slow leak. The boat has had some work done the engine looks to be a rebuild and I believe the entire outdrive was removed for the fiberglass repair. Fast forward a year later and probably 50ish hours of use as I'm looking to repair the leak I've found that the leak seems to be coming from where the outdrive mates to the transom. The prick that changed it must have done it without removing the engine because he left the left center but loose that sits behind the exhaust manifold. I've very carefully probed the entire surrounding area of the transom with a very sharp pick and have no rot, no soft spots and no delaninating of the glass. There is no play in the transom when I lift the outdrive and pull up on it. Very solid. No spider cracks in the gel coat near the outdrive.I even removed the plug housing on the transom as this is the dampest part of my boat and probing it I have no rot. I'be tightened the transom to outdrive bolts and they snug up very well within no more then 3 turns. I currently have a heater in the bilge drying it out. I'll be resealing the drain plug housing. This winter I'll be pulling the engine and outdrive and resealing everything. Has anyone else had an issue like this and do you guys have any recommendations for getting it dried out nicely? Should I just say screw it and pull the motor and transom and reseal it all now instead of doing it in the fall/winter? Thanks in advance for the help

 

[ondarvr]

It has never happened before, never heard of it.......well except for every I/O of that vintage and older, and many newer.

​It will never dry out, so don't make much of an effort in that direction.

​If as you say, the wood is wet but not rotting, then you have time, how much can't be determined though. Frequently there is rot hidden in there somewhere.

 

[boatdude100]

Bought a bowrider with foam soaked and stringers wet, some rot. replaced much but cant get into wet foam in front section as it is under fiberglass floor. What are the chances it will crack the hull this winter? gulp...

 

[jbcurt00]

Boatdude, ask about your boat in your boat topic. If you havent started 1, start 1. To ask here in 63Thom's is bad etiquette and is considered a hijack.

 

[boatdude100]

I apologize. I'm at the cottage and teathering off bad phone service, part two of the post was that didn't get posted read..

The boat that was damp inside- I tried for days to dry out with heat etc. Nothing worked on the stringers except superficially. If you squeezed the wood water would still come out. Foam was hopelessly soaked and had to be removed painstakingly. So I agree. it may never dry out

 

[tpenfield]

63Thornes it would be quite unique that a 1991 Sunbird would not have significant rot, unless the boat structure has been rebuilt. don't assume that you can just dry things out. best to pull the engine and transom assembly out to have a good look. If it is in fact all good, then you will have the benefit of re-installing the transom assembly to get a good seal and presumably no leaks.