Information on replacing a transom in a Starcraft Chieftan

[Jed59]

I recently purchase a 1974 18' Starcraft Chieftan O/B version, and I need to replace the transom. Once I have pulled the old one out, what kind of prep work do I need to do on the aluminum on the inside? Also what kind of adhesive do I need to use between the new transom wood and the aluminum? I noticed that on the inside of the splash well that the wood is exposed. Its not encapsulate. Should there be an aluminum cap over this, or is this the way it was manufactured? Any help would be appreciated....

 

[GA_Boater]

I recently purchase a 1974 18' Starcraft Chieftan O/B version, and I need to replace the transom. Once I have pulled the old one out, what kind of prep work do I need to do on the aluminum on the inside? Also what kind of adhesive do I need to use between the new transom wood and the aluminum? I noticed that on the inside of the splash well that the wood is exposed. Its not encapsulate. Should there be an aluminum cap over this, or is this the way it was manufactured? Any help would be appreciated....

Welcome aboard, Jed. Check out the Starcraft forum for ideas - http://forums.iboats.com/forum/owners-groups-by-manufacturer/s/starcraft-boats The resto stickie has rebuilds by model, there are one or two Chieftains. :joyous: And this seems to be the year of the Chieftain, we have several in progress now.

On your questions;

1) You want to look at the transom aluminum for corrosion and pitting. If it's OK, clean up up. If not, show us what you have.
2) The transom wood is not glued to the aluminum. There are plenty of through fasteners to keep her together.
3) The transom wood is exposed above the splashwell. In the rebuilds there is a lot of talk about protecting the wood from the elements. From simple to indestructible!

A word of warning. Pics! And lots of them. Lets see what you have.

 

[Jed59]

Thanks GA_Boater. Don't have any pics of the transom, but here's one of the boat .

 

[GA_Boater]

She looks nice, Jed.

How is the deck? Usually transoms and decks go at the same time.

 

[GA_Boater]

Hey Jed - Would you like this moved to the Starcraft section where all cool boaters hang out and talk about their Starcrafts? Easy for me to do if you want.

 

[Jed59]

Yes, go ahead and move to the Starcraft section. I'm still learning how to navigate on this site. I saw that there was a Stracraft section wasn't sure how to post on it. To answer your previous question about the deck. This boat had a buget resto done on it about 5 years ago. Floor, paint, carpet, etc., but the previous owners didn't take care of the importatnt structural issues, like the transom. It appears that this boat had several owners before I picked it up. My intention is to completely restore starting with the transom. I would like to use it while my other boat is having a make over. Next will be to pull the floors out and tighten up the rivets. Then maybe start on stripping the paint. Whoever painted it, did a great job considering they used Imron and a roller. Looks great until you get about two feet from it. Plenty of fuzz from the roller.

 

[Watermann]

:welcome: to iboats and the Starmada Jed!

We have a few Chiefs in dry dock right now but they aren't very active in the forum. My Chief is an I/O but the same issues with the transom replacement is common between the two. Corrosion and pitting. If corrosion is found then removal of the bracket at the bottom that holds the transom wood is a good idea too. Under the end caps, I cut the gunnels to remove the wood. I cleaned, filled pitting, sanded, primered and painted the transom skin. No transom cap, you'll need to fabricate one yourself or have a shop do it.

Looking forward to some more pics of your Chief!

 

[GA_Boater]

Got you in a spot in the Starmda DryDock now.

If the Imron paint job is good except for peach fuzz, maybe a shave by doing a good wet sand? No harm trying and it might save you a strip and repaint.

 

[laurentide]

I have the same boat, '74 outboard chieftain 18. I did a total rebuild...the thread is linked in my signature. Like watermann said above, you'll need to cut the gunwales under the transom caps to get the transom out and back in. It's relatively self explanatory once you have everything apart. Shoot me any questions you may have.