Right side transom panel

[TrickyNicky7]

When opening my boat for the first time this season I found water in the right area of the transom panel in the hull? I'm a new boat owner. This one being used but in great condition other than this problem. 1990 Stratos 266 fish and ski. Any advice on this? I e cut out dry rotted wood and fiberglass, going to replace wood and fiberglass, suck out all the drains. Any do's or dont's about this? still not sure I've found the leak. Rub rail will be replaced soon also. Any advice will be appreciated.

 

[ondarvr]

The water and rot will probably extend much further than just the one location, so do some extensive checking before starting any repairs.

 

[TrickyNicky7]

I was afraid for someone to say that.

 

[TrickyNicky7]

Thank you for replying, Ondarvr.

 

[tpenfield]

Pictures would be helpful to better understand the situation, but as has been stated, the problems generally run 3-4 X of what is visible.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Finding rot is like finding an iceberg. 90% of what is there is below the surface

 

[gm280]

Rot and boats go hand in hand. It is not unusual for older boats to have something rotted. But you really need to drill some core samples to see the true extent. And rot in boats starts at the bottom and works its way up.

So drill your core/inspection holes as low as you can to see what is good and what isn't. If you get dry wood shavings, then you know that is good material. But if you get dark wet or mushy material out of the core hole, you know that is totally gone and will need to be replaced. You can fill in any hole with some epoxy or polyester mixture or even some 4200 or 5200 adhesive and it will be good again.

Usually if a transom has any rot, the stringers and the flooring has some too. It is the usual situation with most boats. I am sure that isn't what you wanted to hear, but it is the typical scenario we see on here with so many boats. JMHO

Oh and one last thing, drill you inspection holes from te inside of the hull not to drill through the hull itself. Don't breach the hull with core drillings.