Subbing Out Transom Repair

[Bulbash]

Hi,

The Boat is Bayliner Capri 1989 2.3 OMC Cobra bowrider. I had some rot in the transom which I decided to get repaired. I called a few people around and got quotes for around $1000 which I find not bad at all. Now the question is, if they will do the repair they must take out the engine and the drive, how do I know if everything was done properly? What they can do wrong inn terms of engine alignment? Anything I should look for? Maybe it would be worth to be present during certain operations or stages of the repair. Anything I should check? If they will do something wrong I won't know about it until may when I can go on the lake. Any advices?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

Ayuh,.... The Best way to know whether it's done Right, is do it Yerself....

 

[Bulbash]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

The problem is that Ido not have a space to do it. My garage won't fit the boat. and storage is outdoor...

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

Pick the one you feel is the honest person and reputable shop?also do a better business search on them. Word of mouth is the best?.. if you can get it.
Get a workmanship warranty in writing??so when you put the boat in the water in March you are covered. If they won't do that...stay far away from them!

Good luck!

 

[Bulbash]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

It all does make sense what you guys are saying, but my big question is where the shortcuts might be taken? I plan to do inspections during repair progress... At what stages I should inspect and what should I look for?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

It all does make sense what you guys are saying, but my big question is where the shortcuts might be taken? I plan to do inspections during repair progress... At what stages I should inspect and what should I look for?

Ayuh,.... Anywhere, from beginin' to end....

That's an unaswerable question, as We're not the 1s tryin' to Cheat you...

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

Ayuh,.... The Best way to know whether it's done Right, is do it Yerself....

Yup, I'm with Bondo on that. I'll add in taking lot of photos of your work while hanging around here on iboats. These guys know what it takes to build quality stuff.

We have seen a lot of "professional" jobs that are far from it! There are a lot of areas that a "marine professional" can/will cut corners. It's a sad truth and gives the industry a bad name. Very unfortunate for those pros who are very good at what they do.

 

[Bulbash]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

ok... The biggest thing I worry is that when engine and drive will be put back, is it complicated to realign everything? Is there a way of checking if engine and drive are aligned properly?

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

Some shops won’t let you Nose around while they are working…so check on that? I would have them show you the bad stuff before removal……then the wood they are using to replace with ( Quality, Non treated, Knotted wood, ect) and how they are going to proceed……the glass work when finished - before any painting ( Bubbles, soft spots, ect)

Engine replacement (Alignment, Wiring, ect)……..Make sure it's running right before hauling down the road.......And get a warranty on the work

 

[Bulbash]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

Inspecting their work that is one of my conditions that I discuss prior to them starting any work... Due to my work nature I have an access to almost unlimited supply of forming plywood which is very high quality... Would that be a good material to use for transom repair? Also, how do I inspect the glass work?

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

We've heard from quite a few dissatisfied customers around the country about subbing out fiberglass boat repair, and it wouldn't surprise me a bit if your inspections don't go as well as you hope.

What's the plan if the repairer fails the inspections? Take the boat elsewhere and not pay?... that won't work.

We have quite a few members on here performing their own work in rented storage units, something you may want to consider.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

Hi,

The Boat is Bayliner Capri 1989 2.3 OMC Cobra bowrider. I had some rot in the transom which I decided to get repaired. I called a few people around and got quotes for around $1000 which I find not bad at all. Any advices?

Ayuh,.... Here's another thought,....

Yer Grand estimate is gonna Double before yer done,...

Yer boat is Known to rot, from the bottom, Up... I'd guess the stringers are in the same shape as the transom....

If that's the case, you'll have spent from the value of the finished boat, to Twice that...
'n parts for yer Motor, are 'bout Impossible to find...

If ya blow a Grand or better on it, it'd be a shame when the motor turns to junk, because ya can't buy a buck, two, ninety-eight part for it....

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

I'd guess the stringers are in the same shape as the transom....

In other words...

After you gut and rebuild your boat (foam, stringers, deck, transom, carpet, big money) you still have a 24 year old boat with an obsolete driveline.

So, proceed with caution!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

Bottom line is this...There is no way for you to know. What you've been told is ALL you can do. Present them with your expectation IN Writing, and then let them do the work. If you want specific types of materials/Parts used you must spell it out In Writing prior to the start of the project. Receipts will tell the tale. Workmanship is subjective so you have to get references and check them in order to make a quantified decision. Bond-o is Spot On about your Power Plant. OMC are becoming a non desired motor and Parts and People to work on em is getting harder and harder. He's also correct about opening a can of worms. More often than not Bad Transoms lead to deck and stringer replacement. It could easily swell into $3,000 as soon as access to the transom has been made.

Your Boat, Your decision. Hope for the Best, Expect the Worst!!!!

 

[Bulbash]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

Ayuh,.... Here's another thought,....

Yer Grand estimate is gonna Double before yer done,...

Yer boat is Known to rot, from the bottom, Up... I'd guess the stringers are in the same shape as the transom....

If that's the case, you'll have spent from the value of the finished boat, to Twice that...
'n parts for yer Motor, are 'bout Impossible to find...

If ya blow a Grand or better on it, it'd be a shame when the motor turns to junk, because ya can't buy a buck, two, ninety-eight part for it....

How bad is the situation with parts for OMC 2.3 Cobra? I know drive can be rebuilt fairly cheap, engine was rebuilt 2 years ago... Which parts are a problem to get? I would think all gaskets filters etc... would be widely available... I can see a problem in getting stuff like a new block or new pistons... But those parts you can get used or machine shop can fix them in most cases..

 

[Bulbash]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

I'm thinking in either selling her and adding another 15 - 20 k for brand new boat or fix it and use it for another season or two...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

If the work is done correctly and with Care and Attention and If you really like the looks and lines of the boat and would be happy to own her and be on the lake with her, then investing 3-4 K in her knowing you'll have a Good Sound Seaworthy boat....I think there's nothing wrong with that. The big IF is the correctness and care taken when doing the repairs. As stated before That's why most of us do it ourselves cuz generally speaking, No One will do it like you would do it. No One.

 

[Bulbash]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

I agree with you, however I have no place or time to do it myself...

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

I agree with you, however I have no place or time to do it myself...

Yup, I'd be thinking about that selling and buying new option you talked about. Otherwise I kinda think you may be throwing good money after bad, ya know.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Subbing Out Transom Repair

How bad is the situation with parts for OMC 2.3 Cobra? I know drive can be rebuilt fairly cheap, engine was rebuilt 2 years ago... Which parts are a problem to get? I would think all gaskets filters etc... would be widely available... I can see a problem in getting stuff like a new block or new pistons... But those parts you can get used or machine shop can fix them in most cases..

Ayuh,... I believe a Manifold can't be bought anywhere at any price,...

Not sure, but the ignition, 'n induction parts are thin too...

'n I'm sure there's others...

Put it this way, it's the Least desirable motor ever put in a boat....

'n yer drive ain't as easily fixed as ya think either...

Like the other's have said, it's Yer ride, do as ya please, but do it with Both Eyes Open...