Beefing up transom, cracked welds

[fishrdan]

I have an 07 Tracker 1436 jon boat that has 2 cracked welds on the transom. If you look at the pic a cracked weld is circled in red and from what I can see, the corner brace is missing a weld which I marked in yellow,,, the other side is the same way. It's going in under warranty to have it welded.

When I get it back from being welded I want to make the transom stronger by replacing the current exterior and interior transom plywood and adding in a knee brace.

Any suggestions on how big I should make the interior and exterior plywood pieces and what is going to be the best way to add in a knee brace?

I'm not sure if the welds cracked because the corner brace is missing a weld or if there is too just much flex in the transom, it's always been really wobbly and flexible and I want to make solid so it does not crack the welds again.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Beefing up transom, cracked welds

it cracked because it is a Tracker, they have had many problems over the years, with welds cracking.

 

[kaferhaus]

Re: Beefing up transom, cracked welds

it cracked because it is a Tracker, they have had many problems over the years, with welds cracking.

Yep, and if you saw the way they jig them together prior to welding you'd understand why. And they know they have this problem and continue to force parts into position (instead of just holding them in position) prior to welding. Simply induces the stress into the part... crack installed at factory, no extra charge.

I think everyone hates riveted aluminum boats except me!

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Beefing up transom, cracked welds

I don't disagree with either comment, in fact I totally agree. Since purchasing the Tracker I've seen other jon boats and how well they are made compared this one, real poor design on this boat.

But, be that as it may, I'm sure there is something that can be done to strengthen the transom. This thing has an awful amount of wobble in the sheet of aluminum that forms the transom, grab the outboard, jiggle it and the center of the panel moves in-out at least 3/8". That right there is enough to crack a weld over time.

Just looking for suggestions on what can be done to strengthen the transom up...

 

[willyrocket]

Re: Beefing up transom, cracked welds

Wheely bars, and relace the wheels with floats......... That way when you gas it, transom doesnt flex as much.........