transom layer question

[chrishayes]

Guys, I have a 1 1/2" thick transom that is being replaced. Here is my question, is it better(stronger) in anyway to use 3 sheets of 1/2" rather than 2 sheets of 3/4"? I have the 1/2 alrady dried but it would not be the end of the world to go with 3/4". What are your thoughts?

 

[valor_7]

Re: transom layer question

I think strength wise 1/2 to 3/4 there wouldn't be much of a difference as long as it's the right plywood. I ended up using 3/4 Exterior AC grade from Lowes. Seems to be a little more work cutting and glueing 3 pieces as opposed to 2.

 

[chrishayes]

Re: transom layer question

I figure the same thing. I am using exterior ply high grade from Menards.

 

[valor_7]

Re: transom layer question

one thing I wished i did when I was glueing the wood transom to the fiberglass was screw the the middle and botton of the wood transom to the fiberglass. I read somewhere in Iboats that a guy does that on all his refurbishes. After the resin is cured he removes the screws and patches. It seems like a lot more work but might be worth it.
I clamped the top of the transom and braced the bottom as well as I could but I ended up with a couple spots where there is a lilttle flex between the fiberglass and wood transom near the bottom because it wasn't making good enough contact. The other thing I would do next time is thicken the resin to a paste like substance so any larger gaps between the wood and fiberglass are filled. I ended up with a small pool of resin at the botton of the transom. So I think a real good bracing system and a thicker resin is the way I'll go if there's a next time.

 

[chrishayes]

Re: transom layer question

thanks valor. That is some good info. Im sure that a product like marine tex would fill the screw holes back in no? Or maybe just a dab of 4200?