Pontoon Transom Cracks - Need Repair?

[rice1952]

Hi Guys,

I noticed cracks on both sides of where the top weld is on the motor pod of my 25' pontoon with a 150HP Merc. I need advice on how to repair and what you would do if it was yours. I took a friends advice and drilled a stop hole at the end of each crack. They are only around the top weld. The welds all the way down both sides and across the bottom look ok to my untrained eye. The boat is 5 years old and I just noticed this. Someone else suggested JB Weld my be a decent temporary repair?

 

[racerone]

Aluminum is notorious for cracking like that.----Find a good shop to repair / re-enforce that.-----Motor flexes this as it is driving the boat.

 

[Scott Danforth]

find a welder that does aluminum. (Hint, even your local radiator shop welds aluminum)

Whome ever suggested JB weld is an IDIOT!. do your self a favor and do not listen to that

 

[flashback]

Is your boat rated for 150 ponies, that's some pretty serious stress going on. Be sure to reinforce it when repairing or it probably won't last.

 

[rice1952]

Is your boat rated for 150 ponies, that's some pretty serious stress going on. Be sure to reinforce it when repairing or it probably won't last.

It’s rated for 200 ….

 

[rice1952]

Is your boat rated for 150 ponies, that's some pretty serious stress going on. Be sure to reinforce it when repairing or it probably won't last.

What would you suggest for reinforcement?

 

[flashback]

What would you suggest for reinforcement?

I'm not a structural engineer but ie obviously needs help.

 

[Grub54891]

It’s rated for 200 ….

200 two stoke is lighter than a 150 4 stroke. If that's what you have.

 

[Scott Danforth]

That transom well needs a few reinforcement plates added. Also check for cracks at the mounting flanges to the deck structure.

Have seen many 'toon pods come off in a "catastrophic disassembly" over the years

 

[rice1952]

200 two stoke is lighter than a 150 4 stroke. If that's what you have.

Its a 4-stroke - and heavy at 455 lbs

 

[rice1952]

That transom well needs a few reinforcement plates added. Also check for cracks at the mounting flanges to the deck structure.

Have seen many 'toon pods come off in a "catastrophic disassembly" over the years

Thanks for your advice. It looks ok everywhere except what I posted (the cracks at the top of the weld). I'll look at getting that re-welded and look into some reinforcement. Don't want a 200 hour engine in the bottom of the lake.

 

[cyclops222]

A simple piece of 1" X 1" Angle Aluminum with the 90 degree crease joint SLIGHTLY spread apart. So it does not touch the original weld. Would really spread the stresses out. Still need to fill in the cracks you see now.
That joint is not strong enough as originally sized.
I just saw a lot of unwelded spots where plate edges are ...NOT ...welded.
Not sure if they cause the problems.
Can you afford to sell the boat ?

 

[jlh3rd]

jb weld..lol...
just curious if it is trailered often. And if it is, do you use a transom saver.