Replacing just the rotted area or whole back of boat/transom?

[FatCat75]

I have this 14ft Lund trihull boat. I know the whole back of the boat/transom is rotted not sure how far down it is rotted though. My question is (I think I already know the answer) if it isn't rotted all the way down to the floor should I just cut out the rot and replace it or just cut out the whole back of the boat/transom and replace that? Also I have never worked with fiberglass or done any boat repairs.

 

[Jeff Fro]

For the strength, I would replace it completely. One thing to ask yourself is how long before the rest of it goes south? Fiberglass isn't that hard to work with. There are a lot of folks on here that will talk you through all of it. I know they helped me doing my boat.

Folks here like pictures. The more the better.

 

[Lectro88]

If you are going to the trouble of opening it,... and you are already there.
Why would you elect to only change part of it considering its age.
In a few years you will get to open it yet again and finish what you should have done COMPLETELY in the first place.
sorry, There is no way to say this and try and be nice about it.
but short-cuts is why you are most likely having to do this anyway(factory)
You are talking about the area of a transom...
Say 20" tall by what 5-8 feet wide. its not that big of an area.

 

[GSPLures]

What the others are saying is correct. More than likely you will find everything underneath is rotted once you open it up (including stringers).

Its not much more work to do all of it. After you will have peace of mind knowing that all of it is structurally sound.

 

[KJM]

I have this 14ft Lund trihull boat. I know the whole back of the boat/transom is rotted not sure how far down it is rotted though. My question is (I think I already know the answer) if it isn't rotted all the way down to the floor should I just cut out the rot and replace it or just cut out the whole back of the boat/transom and replace that? Also I have never worked with fiberglass or done any boat repairs.

Most likely partial repair won't even be an option because its very likely all rotten or at least wet. As said above, the stringers are probably gone too. On the bright side doing the fiberglass work isn't too hard once you get the hang of it and there are lots of good sources of info here. Just make sure you know what you are getting into money wise because the bill can start to add up quickly!

 

[JASinIL2006]

It's crazy to go that far and not replace the entire transom.

 

[gm280]

My $0.02 cents worth (been there and done that). First, transoms rot from the bottom up, not from the top down. So if you are seeing rot at the top of the transom, the bottom is already toast. Second DON'T tear off the entire back of the boat. You will repair the transom from the inside out for most transom repairs. That way the outside of the transom stays intact. Cut the inside fiberglass to gain access to the rot and clean it all out. Then evaluate the situation. Pop up a picture or three for everyone to see what you are dealing with. Than others can chime in with ideas and suggestions. Picture will get more help for sure... JMHO