Bass boat cap pull?

[Zep25]

Looking to replace my transom on my 18 foot ‘89 Bumblebee. Really want to pull the cap off and replace from the inside. Don’t like the external or pour-in fix options. Also want to check my stringers. I’ve pulled the rub rail and drilled out all of the rivets. The seam from cap to hull are loose, but I just won’t pop it off. I assume there are some tabbed fiberglass areas that need to be cut? Does anyone know where I should start cutting? Hate to start hacking away blindly and make more work later.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[gm280]

I personally have no experience on your boat. But you could tap around the cap/floor and locate areas that sound dead instead of hollow. That would indicate a possible attachment area. Like how you locate studs behind drywall. In fact maybe you could use a density stud locate to help with that. Just an idea.

 

[alldodge]

Look at the stern, mine have core bond between upper and transom.

 

[alldodge]

Also need to remove the upper drain plug tube

 

[Zep25]

Think I’ll try the stud finder tip.
It’s difficult to make out what’s supportive in the aft. Between the splash well support, knees and additional horizontal support of the transom, it’s a bit confusing.

I assume you mean the front live well drain line. Yes, I did see that. I may permanently remove it since I only use the front live well for dry storage anyway.

Is it simpler to cut supports down near the hull or up by the cap/deck? Was thinking near the hull to make fiberglass repair a little easier?? I’m still a bit hesitant about cutting. Any other tips/tricks about pulling this thing off?

 

[alldodge]

The drain tube I'm talking about was where the motor splash well is

 

[Zep25]

Alldodge, are you talking about the scupper/thru-drains inside the splash well? Are those holding the cap onto the transom somehow?
thanks

 

[alldodge]

Alldodge, are you talking about the scupper/thru-drains inside the splash well? Are those holding the cap onto the transom somehow?
thanks

Yes, mine where. There is a brass or aluminum tube which goes clear thru. Need a special flaring tool to install new one (I bought the tool ). Also the core bond is between splash well and transom

 

[Zep25]

ok. Mine are plastic… which may be why I’m doing this project. I’ll make sure I pull those out then replace them with the metal tubes.
As for the core bond, can I just cut through that? When I replace it, do you just speckle it back on like putty or should I reglass that area?

 

[alldodge]

Probably.
I don't plan on using core bond, looking at out constructive water proof adhesives. I'm thinking its more to keep down vibration so the 2 pieces don't come apart and cause other issues. Who knows maybe roofing tar, probably not, but still thinking about it for mine