Bad Transom?

[samaral]

I'm talking to a guy who is selling a 1988 19' aluminum boat. It's a 2 hour drive and don't want to waste my time. I'm concerned about this picture looks like the transom might be soft. Thanks

 

[briangcc]

Looks like it backed into something. Whether it's soft or not is up for debate.

My concern based on the photo would be the white plastic tube zip tied to something. I'm wagering that's to a bilge pump but why? Could be to keep up with whatever water is coming in but that's just a W.A.G.

 

[matt167]

I would guess that’s a bilge pump suggesting it might leak a little. Transom may or may not be bad. But on a tin boat it’s not the end of the world. And gluevit and re bucking rivits can cure any leaks. Most old riveted Tinnys you can assume will leak a little. Many people take care of the leaks but most just have a good bilge pump.

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, does anyone have a judgement as to whether the transom was weakened. I have only exp. with f/g boats, but that dent/crease looks like an issue.

 

[samaral]

Gee, does anyone have a judgement as to whether the transom was weakened. I have only exp. with f/g boats, but that dent/crease looks like an issue.

That's what I was thinking.

 

[aae0130]

If there is wood or high density foam board sandwiched in there it’s probably compromised and will need to be replaced.

 

[airshot]

Ask the owner before you drive there. Be prepared to negotiate if it is. Most older alum boats do leak a little, rivets come loose and seams can leak a little, I would alway have a bilge pump on board, on any boat.. Are you getting an in water test ride ??

 

[Scott Danforth]

The wood in the transom was expected to last only 15 years. The boat is 36 years old

 

[Texasmark]

Another possibility is that the lower unit hit something while backing up putting undue stress on it and the transom. I would say a "hands on" test of the integrity of the transom, and any possible damage to the engine mounting brackets or skeg or prop shaft would be in order.

 

[KJM]

Bottom line is you will never know until you go look at it. Can't tell much from that picture except that it appears he backed into something. Like maybe an artesian well (don't ask!)

 

[racerone]

Boat bumped in to something.----Or a vehicle bumped into the boat.-----I would consider that to be an easy fix.

 

[airshot]

The wood in the transom was expected to last only 15 years. The boat is 36 years old

True for fiberglass boats, most better quality aluminum boats get much longer if taken care of. My 1992 Sylvan looks like the day it was installed, and my 1983 Islander is just starting to show some signs of softness at the very bottom. The new owner plans on replacing it this comming winter even though he could get a few more years out it.

 

[tank1949]

I'm talking to a guy who is selling a 1988 19' aluminum boat. It's a 2 hour drive and don't want to waste my time. I'm concerned about this picture looks like the transom might be soft. Thanks

Get contract with owner that you be allowed to go inside and drill small holes into transom to check for ROT. If not, bargain down the price justifying the added costs of replacing transom wood.

 

[samaral]

I went and looked at it and the transom is going bad. He was only willing to take $300 off the asking price so I move on. Thanks for all the responses.

 

[airshot]

I went and looked at it and the transom is going bad. He was only willing to take $300 off the asking price so I move on. Thanks for all the responses.

Contact him again in a couple weeks if your really interested, if it sets long enough he might think harder!