Transom question

[Crystallk11]

I have a 16ft all welded aluminum v bottom jon boat that I am needing to replace the transom on. I have been doing allot of research on the subject but have not quite found the information I am looking for so I'm hoping that you guys can help. The old transom on this boat is completely rotten and was made out of plywood. The transom is 1ft from top to bottom and about 5ft wide. I don't think I want to go back with more plywood so I am searching for good alternatives. I did see that someone used one 2x12 composite decking board (that is not made from wood) as a replacement transom on his boat that is similar to mine. The only problem is I do not know how strong this material is and will it support a motor that weighs about 90lbs? Will I be compromising the integrity of the boat itself? Any information would be greatly appreciated. I have uploaded a pic of the transom as it sets now. Please keep in mind that this is a project boat and in no way beautiful right now. Thanks ya'll

 

[JASinIL2006]

Composite decking does not have much strength. I'd use plywood and just make sure it's treated well with epoxy or paint or something similar.

 

[briangcc]

Composite materials like what you are describing are bendy....really bendy... Great for decks but no structural rigidity. Wouldn't use it for this application.

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard. the standard exterior grade plywood lasted over 35 years. I would suggest another piece of plywood. youre looking at a saturday, or a weekend at most,

 

[racerone]

Agreed----Easy fix with plywood.

 

[Crystallk11]

Plywood it is then. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Scott Danforth]

do not use treated plywood. the chemicals used in treated plywood will galvanically disolve the aluminum.

 

[Crystallk11]

do not use treated plywood. the chemicals used in treated plywood will galvanically disolve the aluminum.

Do you have a suggestion as to the wood that would be the best to use? How about the paint? I plan on using the Rustoleum Hammered paint on the inside of the boat. Will that work for the plywood too or should I choose something else?

 

[Scott Danforth]

standard ACX plywood is fine. for the double-thickness, use tite-bond III to glue two pieces of 3/4" together.

Rustoleum is fine. use a hardener. I believe that is link 18 or 19 in the sticky

 

[Crystallk11]

standard ACX plywood is fine. for the double-thickness, use tite-bond III to glue two pieces of 3/4" together.

Rustoleum is fine. use a hardener. I believe that is link 18 or 19 in the sticky

Thanks again!

 

[Crystallk11]

standard ACX plywood is fine. for the double-thickness, use tite-bond III to glue two pieces of 3/4" together.

Rustoleum is fine. use a hardener. I believe that is link 18 or 19 in the sticky

could you please explain what the "sticky" is?

 

[Scott Danforth]

the top few threads in the forum that have the little post-it note symbol. those are "stuck" like a sticky note on the top of the forum. 3rd one down in the restoration forum has all the DIY links.