how to repair leaking transom

[19bwb67]

hi, mid 70's starcraft aluminum w plywood transom. 60hp johnson outboard. water is getting in and i'm assuming it is the transom. Any suggestions on proper repair appreciated. caulking, sealers, adding rivots, etc??

thanks, Brett

 

[john from md]

Re: how to repair leaking transom

First you have to make sure the structural integrity of the transom is still good. If it is soft all over, I would replace it.

If you just have one area leaking, you can use fiberglass mat soaked in liquid fiberglass. I would put a minimum of three layers with the weave 90 offset.

This stuff is readily available from West Marine and Boaters World.

Regards,

John

 

[jevery]

Re: how to repair leaking transom

Get some towels, a flashlight, mirror, whatever you need and put the boat in the water. Dry the bilge completely with towels and start looking for the source. Plug, thru-hull fittings, engine mounting bolts, It's coming in somewhere. May be coming in only at speed. Along a rub rail or the bow eye. My Ranger was a nightmare to find a slow leak. Six thru hull fittings in the stern, all kinds of plumbing, etc. Finally found a bad o-ring in an aerator pump. Good Luck.

 

[19bwb67]

Re: how to repair leaking transom

comes in when moored. i would like to coat and seal the transom any sealer and or coating reccomendations

 

[ezmobee]

Re: how to repair leaking transom

I just replaced the transom in my Starcraft. Chances are if it's leaking it's because the wood is rotted and water is leaking around any fasteners that are bolted through the rotted wood. In my case it was my swim ladder hardware. Head over to the restoration section of this forum for lots of info on how to properly do a transom in an aluminum boat. It's not too bad a job.

 

[cmcpherson]

Re: how to repair leaking transom

Do you have any idea where it is leaking? This seems like the first step to me...

 

[19bwb67]

Re: how to repair leaking transom

comes in real slow- not sure i will be able to find it but i will try- i searched for a diy transom repair for my boat - but no luck

 

[ezmobee]

Re: how to repair leaking transom

Did you go to the restoration section to do your search? There should be lots of results for transom replacement or repair