Sealing around a transom reinforcement plate

[hldurham]

I purchased a 1987 Chris Craft with a Johnson 115 outboard. I purchased a new CMC PT150 installed by a local marine company. I know all the bolts were sealed properly, but the transom reinforcement plate is leaking and I want to seal around it where it meets the fiberglass. There is some old existing silicone or caulk material there. The plate is about 1/8" thick.What would be the best method to clean and seal this w/o removing the plate and what product would be the best?

 

[hldurham]

Re: Sealing around a transom reinforcement plate

 

[hldurham]

Re: Sealing around a transom reinforcement plate

I attached a picture, bare with me Im new at this

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Sealing around a transom reinforcement plate

Have you core sampled the transom to ensure its sound? That plate is not on there to make it look better

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Sealing around a transom reinforcement plate

You shouldn't have to seal around that plate, the only places that need to be sealed are the penetrations for any bolts or screws that go into or through the plate.

Is that plate just a mounting pad for the motor? Or is it a Band-Aid to try to reinforce a rotten transom?

A leaky transom is usually a sign of a weak and rotten transom, you should drill into the transom on the inside of the boat around that plate and check the drill shavings for color and moisture. Dark and moist shavings mean rot, light colored and dry shavings mean good wood.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Sealing around a transom reinforcement plate

before smearing any sealant, I would pull the motor, unbolt the plate and inspect. as others illuded to, you most likely have a transom issue.

if all is well, then seal with 3M 5200

 

[73Chrysler105]

Re: Sealing around a transom reinforcement plate

Reinforcement plates are used only as a bandaid for a bad/rotten transom when they don't want to do the job right and they just want to throw something on there. It is most likely leaking there because the fiberglass is now damaged around the "reinforcement plate".

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Sealing around a transom reinforcement plate

Chris Craft never added a reinforcement plate to their boats from the factory.