to replace the transom or not?

[vroom ZOOM]

Hello, while doing an engine swap and engine room repaint on my boat, my attention was brought to some VERY shoddy workmanship on the factory layup. A lot of the area on the transom had a bunch of gelcoat just rolled onto the wood without any glass, and of course if has cracked and peeled. I of course yanked it all off and here is what I saw in there (see pic 1). Of course I went ahead and drilled a few holes in it to check for water. About halfway up the transom keyhole I could not squeeze any water from the wood chips. In about the bottom 3 inches I can squeeze water from the chips, but they are light in colour (see pic 2). View attachment DSC_0766.JPG
Also there is this crack in the transom keyhole.
View attachment DSC_0765.JPG

When hitting with a hammer I dont hear any super dull sounds but I am also not super sure on what sound to listen for. I know what a REALLY rotten transom sounds like, but not a very slightly rotten one does. Judging by the chips, it seems like the wood is somewhat solid but wet at the bottom 3 inches of the transom. Will this transom last another 10 years if I throw some fresh glass mat on the inside, or should I be ripping it out? Its a huge pain to get it out, and although I could probably get it done in a few days, its not something I enjoyed doing last time, and this time I wont get paid for it so I'd like to avoid it of course.

 

[froggy1150]

It's wet and compromised. Moisture will continue to migrate up. Sealing it up would contain the moisture even more.... and then there is the crack

 

[Scott Danforth]

Until the wet and rotting wood completely dissolves and is eaten by insects, there will not be a hollow sound. Tapping with a hammer doesnt mean anything

If it's wet, time to repair

 

[dingbat]

You’re not listening for a particular sound. You’re listening for very subtle changes in frequency from one point to another.

Same as checking for cracks and corrosion in a metal structure with a ball peen hammer.

 

[airshot]

Winter is right around the corner, perfect time for major boat repairs so you will be ready for spring. Getting started is the hard part, once your into it, you will get more interested knowing that spring will be here before long. OK....so much for the pep talk...it has gotta be done, so roll up them sleeves !!

 

[vroom ZOOM]

Winter is right around the corner, perfect time for major boat repairs so you will be ready for spring. Getting started is the hard part, once your into it, you will get more interested knowing that spring will be here before long. OK....so much for the pep talk...it has gotta be done, so roll up them sleeves !!

Last one took me about 3 or 4 days to do, I could probably do this one in 7 or so, its just that ripping the old wood out is a PITA. I don't really mind grinding or glassing, its getting the old wood out from behind the stringers. Anyways, looks like its time to start cutting.