Need help with transom repair...

[aaarneson]

I have this transom that is still pretty solid but has a few areas that need attention before it get any worse.

I was thinking of using some sort or wood filler, resin, epoxy, etc....but I am not sure what would be the best option or if there are any other options that would be better.

TIA. - Pictures attached.

 

[Chris1956]

Sand off all that grey stuff. Fill the holes, dents etc with marine polyester resin putty. Sand smooth. Sealing with Polyester resin and fiberglass cloth would be best, but considering the age of the transom, several coats of spar urethane would probably work.

 

[aaarneson]

Something like this? Or is there a better product?

Marine Tex Epoxy Putty 14 oz - Ace Hardware

Marine-Tex is the legendary high strength repair compound designed for filling, bonding and rebuilding wood, fiberglass, ceramic, glass, metal, masonry and many plastics. Marine-Tex is manufactured to the highest standards to meet the harsh demands of the marine and industrial environments, and...

www.acehardware.com

 

[Chris1956]

Marine tex is overkill. You do not need it's strength for your application. Any Marine polyester resin putty will be fine and a lot cheaper.

 

[aaarneson]

When I search these are the main two that are coming up...

https://www.amazon.com/J-B-Weld-8277-White-Pack/dp/B000BRQ0TW/ref=sxin_14_ac_d_mf_br?ac_md=2-0-Si1CIFdlbGQ%3D-ac_d_mf_br_br&cv_ct_cx=Marine+Epoxy+Putty&keywords=Marine+Epoxy+Putty&pd_rd_i=B000BRQ0TW&pd_rd_r=15b24aa1-2b7a-4bf0-a297-1c26ed71d743&pd_rd_w=gAiUr&pd_rd_wg=992Jq&pf_rd_p=af56c395-f6ae-4741-98f7-37d0cc7c93ab&pf_rd_r=BQTD1HKRCB1V56QFEJTQ&psc=1&qid=1645554136&sr=1-1-ed8a42d3-65f1-4884-a3a2-0dd6e83b6876

AND

https://www.amazon.com/TotalBoat-Polyester-Structural-Repair-Gallon/dp/B07C9D2GFJ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2P90WUUPZSKDQ&keywords=Marine%2Bpolyester%2BPutty&qid=1645554079&sprefix=marine%2Bpolyester%2Bputty%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-3&th=1&psc=1

 

[Chris1956]

That is probably OK, but expensive as well. This is more what you need.

https://www.amazon.com/TotalBoat-Polyester-Fairing-Compound-Quart/dp/B07BR3M56R/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/143-9196775-6015720?pd_rd_w=nBUKe&pf_rd_p=6b3eefea-7b16-43e9-bc45-2e332cbf99da&pf_rd_r=1DNHCAEA2RMY6R2CF0A7&pd_rd_r=4c46d4bd-8474-4449-8c72-563c45a431e8&pd_rd_wg=0CcaR&pd_rd_i=B07BR3M56R&psc=1

 

[JASinIL2006]

PC-11 works well, too.

https://www.amazon.com/PC-Products-Adhesive-Two-Part-Marine-160114/dp/B008DZJJGU/ref=sr_1_3?crid=196NPTHCHA0Q9&keywords=pc-11&qid=1645556502&sprefix=pc-11%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-3

 

[racerone]

Remove the transom caps on the corners.----Remove that channel.----Remove that piece of junk plywood.-----Install new plywood or a composite material.-----Should be easy to do.

 

[aaarneson]

From looking at the fairing compound it seems like it is more for fiberglass....lots of complaints that the mixture is hard to get right as well.

And my biggest concern is where the motor mounts...Just need something that can put up with that pressure and movement.

Replacing the transom is an option as well....but for the most part it is solid...I was hoping for an easy repair and then paint to get several more years out of it.

 

[racerone]

The rest of the wood is ready to rot out as well.------Easy to replace that junk with some quality material !

 

[aaarneson]

Would this be the wood I would need? Looks like I would need two layers of this...my transom now looks to be about 1.5" thick.

23/32 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. RTD Sheathing Syp 129323 - The Home Depot

Plywood sheathing is ideal for residential and light construction, and every piece meets the highest grading standards for strength and appearance. It adds proven performance and durability to new homes,

www.homedepot.com

 

[racerone]

Use the material you like.-----I use composite ( hollow ) hockey sticks / carbon fiber / west system epoxy.----Ultra strong and will never rot.-------You should use a plate for motor clamp screws so they do not dig into the wood.

 

[todhunter]

Would this be the wood I would need? Looks like I would need two layers of this...my transom now looks to be about 1.5" thick.

23/32 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. RTD Sheathing Syp 129323 - The Home Depot

Plywood sheathing is ideal for residential and light construction, and every piece meets the highest grading standards for strength and appearance. It adds proven performance and durability to new homes,

www.homedepot.com

I would use ACX:

23/32 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft Cabinet Grade Plywood Panel (Actual: 0.688 in. x 48 in. x 96 in.) 1077486 - The Home Depot

Made from pruned, plantation-grown Radiata pine logs for fewer knots and consistent appearance. For flatness and stability, these panels are laid up on composed cores using exterior PF resin. Manufactured

www.homedepot.com

 

[aaarneson]

I would use ACX:

23/32 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft Cabinet Grade Plywood Panel (Actual: 0.688 in. x 48 in. x 96 in.) 1077486 - The Home Depot

Made from pruned, plantation-grown Radiata pine logs for fewer knots and consistent appearance. For flatness and stability, these panels are laid up on composed cores using exterior PF resin. Manufactured

www.homedepot.com

That is ok even though it is an interior grade ply? Almost seems like this one is an AC and not an ACX.

 

[aaarneson]

I did find this...would just need 3 layers and use some good waterproof wood glue.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Roseburg-15-32-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-Douglas-Fir-Sanded-Plywood/5002104191?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-lum-_-ggl-_-LIA_LUM_211_Panel-Products-And-Siding-_-5002104191-_-local-_-0-_-0&gclid=CjwKCAiAsNKQBhAPEiwAB-I5zQV1A6wlhyS1qa5UNFJjeWB4REaGmikS_2OxRRinBQ0M578tkqrfLhoCZisQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[aaarneson]

Or a couple of these.

18 mm x 2 ft. x 4 ft. ACX Radiata Pine Plywood 00094 - The Home Depot

3/4in. 2 ft. x 4 ft. Radiata Pine Project Panel. Made from pruned, plantation-grown Radiata pine logs for fewer knots and consistent appearance. For flatness and stability, these panels are laid up on

www.homedepot.com

 

[Lou C]

You have what looks like the easiest to replace transom ever, replacing all of it now makes the most sense, good exterior plywood coated in epoxy will last for years and not cost that much because it is not a large area.

 

[todhunter]

That is ok even though it is an interior grade ply? Almost seems like this one is an AC and not an ACX.

This is Araucoply Radiata plywood. Look it up. It's really good stuff and is rated for exterior.

 

[aaarneson]

What are some good alternatives for the Minwax Polyurethane for Floors? I can only find it in gallons and only need probably a cup of it and can't find it in quart and it is about $50 for a gallon.

Using it for a small transom.

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, the Home Despot carries quarts of several kinds of polyurethane. I would expect your local Walmart to have the same. Paint stores should as well.

Not many homeowners buy a gallon of that stuff....