transom flex
 

I am looking at a 1974 20'sf, that has a 1988 175hp black max on it, the transom currently has an alumnium plate which appears to be well done, it has not been raised and the transom has not been restored.

DSCF0004

Should there be some flex in the transom, and how much is acceptable, what should I be looking for as a clear sign that the transom is junk.

I realize I would need to replace it at some point but when should it be done?

Re: transom flex
 

No Flex, Look for bleeding at the transom cap and/or engine bolts [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

Bottom Line---> Metal Plate + 31 years = JUNK

Re: transom flex
 

What is a good way to test for flex in the transom, The surveyor sat on the engine and moved around and observed the flex in the transom, does this sound like an acceptable method. I question the method used, I have not seen the boat personally.

Re: transom flex
 

thanks for the information

Re: transom flex
 

The surveyor did the right test. Unless you drill into the transom a rubber mallet listening for hollow areas is another method.

BLEEDING @ 27 years

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...k/motoroff.jpg

"JUNK"

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ck/WetWood.jpg

Re: transom flex
 

I agree with that. The only sure way is to drill some hole and look at the wood that comes out. I'd be willing to wager it's mush...

Re: transom flex
 

Mine had hundreds of big black ants in it, and it was still stiff. Made Chucks look new.

consider it shot.....especially if it's had multiple motors.

Listen, if you want to find out all we know about these boats, spend a little, or a lot of time searching around this site and I am sure you'll find what you need to know.

Re: transom flex
 

http://http://img.photobucket.com/al...at/transom.jpg

here is a picture I hope it works.

Thanks again for the information, I have been searching this site for the past several weeks, the information is great and very helpful. My wife things I have some serious issues with the amount of time I have been reading on this site. You guys are great and provide a great resource.

Re: transom flex
 

For me my thinking is “When in doubt cut is out”. But on at 1972 with a aluminum plate that was added because of a known problem with the transom giving added stiffness to by a little time there isn’t any doubt “CUT IT OUT”.
FellowShip [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

Re: transom flex
 

You had an extra "http://" in the URL.

Re: transom flex
 

Don't even go there......Welcome to the club. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: transom flex
 

Most all of these boats have transoms that are questionable and flex, unless they have been redone. I have a high end moistor meter, and have tested alot of boats over the last couple of years. Almost ALL boats more than 10 years old, have had moderate to severe moistor in the transom problem, which leads to rotting in the wood. One thing I have noticed, is that boats in fresh water tend to rot faster then boats that are used in salt water. I also noticed that boats that sit out of the water tend to rot faster than those left in the water.
Another thing is the bigger/heavier the motor is, the more flex you see when bouncing it. I have a moderate amount of flex in mine with a 250 merc efi, and have a few small spider cracks in the gelcoat. I don't think it is gonna fall off in the next year or two. The skin and glass on these was overkill, and you can just about take the wood out, and it would flex alot, but probably not fail/break.
These boats, especially the older ones did not have the weight on them that the new 4 strokes carry. I would not put a 4 stroke on one of these that hasn't had the transom rebuilt and structurally upgraded.
I also noticed that boats that are up north, once they get water in them, tend to crack out more. I think once the water gets in there, if it goes thru freezing/thawing cycles, really does some damage, compared to wet transomed Florida boats.
Flex is a good indicator, but I think cracks (more than spider cracks) are a better indicator of problems. I have a buddy with a 2 year old 33' high end CC boat with very large twin 4 strokes. The bracket/transom has cracked 3 times, 1/2" wide, and has been repaired by the manufacture. It is becoming obvious that that boat was not designed for the weight of 2 4 stroke engines. I would watch for cracks. Also, if you have access to a moisture meter, if there are cracks where you can't see them, more than likely, they will be letting moisture in, and you will see it with a meter.
A happy SeaCraft is a wet SeaCraft, transom and all. These boats weren't perfect. I have seen a couple over alot of different years, and some of the glass work around the transoms was pretty ugly, some better, some worse.

Re: transom flex
 

I got home last night and the laptop was missing and my wife wouldn't tell me where it was...

gives me a reason to go to work now...

Re: transom flex
 

John B thanks for the information it is very helpful.

Abe's Rocket I told my wife I would bring the labtop in bed she agreed she said it was the only thing at this point that would keep her warm since I wasn't.

Re: transom flex
 

Ouch!