Transom Cracks and Leak

[HalfFish5087]

Gents,

I have two things that I would like to run by some more experienced boaters. First, are the fatigue cracks in the below picture anything to be concerned about? They measure approx. 0.002 to 0.003 inch in width. I have tried to notice any movement by pressing pretty heavily on the outdrive and not observed any movement. Secondly, on the bottom right you will notice that this area has been chalked numerous times. (I had removed the majority of bad portion before taking the picture) Two times by myself with 5200 and yet the caulk has failed to adhere to the metal on the outdrive which then in turn lets in water at a rate of about 3 gallons in 12 hours. Not much, but if it?s something I can prevent I?d like to try and fix it. So, I?m left thinking maybe I got a bad tube of 5200 or is there another silicone or maybe even epoxy that I should consider?

Boat is a 98 226 Larson, 5.7GS, DP-S1 Outdrive, TSK SX-C1 Transom with 173 hours.

Thanks for the help!

HalfFish

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Transom Cracks and Leak

I fear the worse. Remove the drain plug plate and check for wet wood. Something is moving to cause the cracks

 

[rickryder]

Re: Transom Cracks and Leak

I agree you need to start looking for rot in the transom.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Transom Cracks and Leak

The cracks below the gimbal bracket are evidence to serious flexing of the fibreglass. It might be rotten wood or a complete separation of the fiberglass from the wood, or whatever larson uses in their transoms. The leak you are trying to stop is probably from gasket problem that apply sealer around the housing is not going solve. the engine and gimbal bracket have to come out/off to assess the transom damage and the source of the leak.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Transom Cracks and Leak

I'm going to recommend drilling core samples on the inside of the transom, as low down as possible. This is the best way to determine if the core has been compromised.