Inner Transom Plate

[bobby bushay]

1996 3.0lx
My Transom plate cracked last year. I assumed before i took the motor out it cracked due to corrosion or a loose rear engine bolt. One of the engine bolts was loose when i tried it.
So Here is my question;

I have a new Transom plate(used plate but great condition same numbers as original)
It does not sit flush with the transom. The transom is solid. It seems like when the boat was glassed it was not all even. The old one had 1/8'' and 1/4'' 'gaps around it as well, not letting the plate sit flush to the transom wall. Is this Normal?? The old plate cracked on a corner of the transom that was not even.
i am absolutely sure this is the right plate and no wires or debris are causing the unevenness.
The bolt holes all match and it went on easily

Should i put shim's in or grind the fiberglass down to insure a flush mount to the transom?
I am Assuming the engine and turning the boat puts a great deal of stress on this plate. If that is not so, would a few spots around the plate that you could fit a few quarters in matter?
I want to get this right! Any Thought's or advice would set my mind at ease before i torque the bolts and put the motor back in.
Thank You

 

[achris]

Re: Inner Transom Plate

I would re-glass to level up...

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Inner Transom Plate

see page 10 in here http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Install/gas/86419602.pdf

 

[Bondo]

Re: Inner Transom Plate

1996 3.0lx
My Transom plate cracked last year. I assumed before i took the motor out it cracked due to corrosion or a loose rear engine bolt. One of the engine bolts was loose when i tried it.
So Here is my question;

I have a new Transom plate(used plate but great condition same numbers as original)
It does not sit flush with the transom. The transom is solid. It seems like when the boat was glassed it was not all even. The old one had 1/8'' and 1/4'' 'gaps around it as well, not letting the plate sit flush to the transom wall. Is this Normal?? The old plate cracked on a corner of the transom that was not even.
i am absolutely sure this is the right plate and no wires or debris are causing the unevenness.
The bolt holes all match and it went on easily

Should i put shim's in or grind the fiberglass down to insure a flush mount to the transom?
I am Assuming the engine and turning the boat puts a great deal of stress on this plate. If that is not so, would a few spots around the plate that you could fit a few quarters in matter?
I want to get this right! Any Thought's or advice would set my mind at ease before i torque the bolts and put the motor back in.
Thank You

Ayuh,....Merc calls for all of the surfaces contacted by the outer transom, as well as the inner transom to be True, Level, 'n Even, at 'tween 2", 'n 2, 1/4" thickness,...

Measure the thickness ya got, then decide whether to fill, or grind,....

 

[bobby bushay]

Re: Inner Transom Plate

Thank you all! Ok sounds good. If i do "fill" in the space, what would you advise me to do the filling in with??

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Inner Transom Plate

fiberglass cloth and resin to build up low areas to within a 1/8 th inch of flat.

 

[bobby bushay]

Re: Inner Transom Plate

Ok My first fiberglass experience. I will read up on the restore post's to learn how to work with the stuff.
Thanks for the help

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Inner Transom Plate

Ok My first fiberglass experience. I will read up on the restore post's to learn how to work with the stuff.
Thanks for the help

Also please know that when you start shopping for your fiberglass supplies, As of this week iboats now carries a big variety of fiberglass supplies at competitive prices. Here is the link to their new fiberglass section. Boat Paint, Repair & Maintenance - Boat Carpet, Fiberglass Repair, Antifouling

iboats is also offering some free giveaways right now as an incentive to consider them. Announcements - Boat Restoration, Building, and Hull Repair