Should I replace my wood transom or epoxy old one( with pictures)?

[FireBob462]

I'm rebuilding a 16 foot fisher from the 80's. I purchased a 2019 50hp merc for her and naturally I started to thing about the transom health due to age. The last thing I wanted, was to say goodbye to my expensive motor as it sank to the bottom of the lake. I took it apart and the wood doesn't look that bad. I know there is allot of wise boaters in this forum so I wanted to ask you opinions. Would you replace it with new wood or would you use a sealant or epoxy and slap her back in?

 

[roscoe]

sealing it would trap water inside the wood, if it should ever get wet.

 

[tank1949]

You have done a lot of work. If you now replace it, you will sleep better. Most rot occurs where or near an opening like a drain plug area. Use lots of epoxy and cloth.

 

[ScottinAZ]

that transom is in too good a shape to be an original from the 1980's. that said, since you appear to have it out, I would replace it with new as preventative maintenance. well over half the work is done in getting it out....

 

[Grub54891]

Yes, just make a new one. I also don't see sealant on the inside bolt holes. Maby, they sealed the outside but I always use enough sealant to fill around the bolt holes all the way through.

 

[FireBob462]

You have done a lot of work. If you now replace it, you will sleep better. Most rot occurs where or near an opening like a drain plug area. Use lots of epoxy and cloth.

Thanks for your input.

 

[FireBob462]

that transom is in too good a shape to be an original from the 1980's. that said, since you appear to have it out, I would replace it with new as preventative maintenance. well over half the work is done in getting it out....

That's what I was thinking when I pulled it out, there is no way it's from the 80's. The reason I went for a transom replacement was that the wood was slightly soft and damp where the bolt holes were. I figured the rest of the transom was the same way. Wish there was a better way to check the health of it before I invested all the time but I guess I'll sleep better knowing that it is brand new. Thanks for your reply sir.

 

[FireBob462]

Yes, just make a new one. I also don't see sealant on the inside bolt holes. Maby, they sealed the outside but I always use enough sealant to fill around the bolt holes all the way through.

Thanks for answering my question. I think the general consensus is to replace it since it is already apart.