New Project
 

Well today I started a transom job for one of my customers.
I will be postings pics as I go along. The boat is a 1978 23'. The one thing that is amazing is tihs boat is dry. The transom has been wet but the stringers are dry as a bone. At one time somebody did some work back here and did a misrable job. As you can see, the aft access has been glassed over and with only a layer of mat. Well here is the first set of pics. More will follow when I remove the outer skin and live well over the next few days.
Bill http://www.optiguy.com/pic/whole.jpg http://www.optiguy.com/pic/closeup.jpg

Re: New Project
 

So you will be doing it from the outside in?

Re: New Project
 

Yes, this will be an outside repair as the ply is very wet across the entire transom and the outer skin has come away from the ply across the entir transom. The customer does not want the live well and by removing it allows easy acess to the inside for adding large knees for more motor support.

Re: New Project
 

Todays progress in pictures. The live well and outer skin have been removed. If you notice on the Port side is an old repair as the plywood is different and better than whats around it. The Stb. side is dry rotted on the whole side.
The rest or the trans is soaking wet. Tomorrow the wood removal starts and final cuts up near the towing eyes. I dread getting them out as Seacraft installed them before the deck was put on and access is almost nill. In the picture showing a tool, who can guess what it is and what blade is on it. For those who don't know what it is, if you ever get a chance to use one you will never cut fiberglass with anything else. No dust, no itching no problem.
Bill http://www.optiguy.com/pic/trans2.jpg http://www.optiguy.com/pic/misc.jpg

Re: New Project
 

It's an occilating saw. I have the same one but a battery powered version. I use it for cutting casts on horses out in the field. Never thought of using it on the boat however. Thanks for the tip

Strick

Re: New Project
 

Got a link to the tool? I alway's need a new tool. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: New Project
 

looks like a 4 1/2" grinder. How does it work so there is no dust? (Noank where were you a few months ago??)

Re: New Project
 

http://www.feinus.com/newmultimaster/multimaster.htm

I have the cordless one but I would get the one with a cord if you are going to use it around the shop. Bought mine thru my veterinary products distributer but I think you can find one easily at a big tool supply place. I think they are made in germany.

Strick

Re: New Project
 

I would try coastal tool supply in CT. Always great prices.

Coastal Tool

Re: New Project
 

It is a Fein Tool. And it does oscillate. There are many attachments like all the other tools by other makers but the Fein has survived this type of work for over 10 years. The blade is the trick. It is high carbon steel and about $50 for the blade. And the blade is somewhat fragile and prone to cracking. But once you learn how to use it, you will be amazed. I by my blades from Jamestown Distributors.
When using the tool it just throws off really tiny chuncks of fiberglass and the blade will not cut you. I just can't say enough about it.
Bill