stress cracks around outbord engine mount

[coke757]

i have a mid 70,s boat with a 85hp outboard engine , just notice a lot more water in back, found stress cracks where the engine bolts comes in. they are several about a foot long, iwas told to sand and fiberglass it back. I think in need some kind of plate or something, and suggestion and where can i find the product.



thanks

coke757

 

[oops!]

Re: stress cracks around outbord engine mount

stress cracks.....(crazing) in gellcoat are common.....what worries me is the fact that you have lots of water in there.....is there any flex in the transom?

 

[Driven1]

Re: stress cracks around outbord engine mount

Welcome to Iboats!

There's a pretty good chance, by the sound of it, that your Transom may be rotted. Sticking a plate on it's not a good or safe fix. You should take some core samples of the transom from the inside of the boat. Use about a 1/4" drill and drill some holes starting at the top about 3/4 to 1" deep. Drill holes downward from there about every 4 inches or so. If the wood shavings come out wet, you've got a bad transom. It may be only partially rotted too. In either case, it should be replaced. If The wood shavings are dry, reglassing the stress cracks should be fine. You'd still need to find out where the water's coming from.

 

[Robj]

Re: stress cracks around outbord engine mount

I too think that your transom may be rotten. They should not require reinforcing unless they have rott problems.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[JB]

Re: stress cracks around outbord engine mount

If the transom is rotten do not reinforce it, replace it.

 

[Driven1]

Re: stress cracks around outbord engine mount

I wasn't thinking earlier. I have a fine example for you. This boat had been in the water sometime last year according to the previous owner. This boat shouldn't have been in the water at all for probably years...

Notice in the following picture the large aluminum plate that was attached to the back of the boat to "reinforce" the transom...

This is what it was "reinforcing."...

A pile of wet woodchips. Not pretty or anywhere's near safe. The physics involved with the transom and hull don't allow for reinforcement, only replacement. If the transom's rotted, it needs to be replaced. You can also bet from the age of the boat that if water's been getting in on a regular basis and the transom's rotted, the stringers and and decking underneath are too. You can also bet that the floatation foam that was used is soaked and needs replacement as well.

Gun that 85 horse and you may find it up in the bow, with where it used to be slowly sinking as you scramble for your life-vests.

You just might have a project on your hands!