Time for a New Transom(Any shops in SWFL?)
 

1973 20' Seafari

Long story short - I drilled a few holes in the transom near the motor mount on the port side and water leaked out. Just mush and water. Whatever *#($*# attached the dive platform didn't bother using any kind of sealant when they put in the lag screws, and I was too inexperienced to notice until now.

I am debating whether to do the job myself or get it done professionally. I know I could do it, but I don't have a ton of free time these days.

Can anyone recommend a good shop in SWFL? Otherwise I might consider trailering it over to one of the shops that regularly work on SeaCrafts on the East coast.

From the posts I've read, it seems that a new transom typically runs around $1500-2000 to have a shop do it. That sound about right?

There used to be some pretty good talent up on SR 78 (Pine Island Road) I don't know who is left there anymore. The Wells boys or their dad Rob at Cabbage Key would know who you could trust.

Where in SWFL are you...that may help answer the question.

"From the posts I've read, it seems that a new transom typically runs around $1500-2000 to have a shop do it. That sound about right?"

I am curious, and you don't need to name names, but where does one get a transom done for that amount of money?
Without doing it your self.
Is that a bare transom, no engine?
I just don't see it.

I'm located in South Fort Myers - but would be willing to drive anywhere in SWFL.

As to the cost - about $2000 was what I've seen others say they were quoted. I am going to have the motor taken off by the Mercury dealer since I'm trading up to a 25" length motor. I figure I'll have them take the current motor off, get the repair work done and then bring the boat back and have them put on the new 25" motor.

Maybe he's thinking material costs for a DIY transom build

http://www.classicseacraft.com/commu...ad.php?t=20915 - Granted those estimates were from 2009, but they are still around $2k(I believe he was also having some work done on the scuppers). I was focusing on the bare transom estimates, as my transom will be bare when I drop it off.

There is a shop near mine in port charlotte that seems to do good work. I asked and that sounds loke his figure on mine when i asked cost once.
Dave young
727 505 2279

This is a question for the D.I.Y's out there.
What is the material cost in re-doing your transom's?
-Plywood or composite board.
-Resin, poly, vinylester or epoxy.
-Glass mat.
-Solvents.
-Consumables cost: Rags, paper suits, sanding disc, gloves, glasses, etc.
-Tools.
-Fairing compounds.
-Gelcoat or paint.
-Fasteners.
-Hardware.

Oly makes a good point. Make sure you know what you're getting if you go with one of the low cost quotes. Not all transom jobs are created equal. There are "professional" shops out there that will throw a couple layers of roving and mat or biaxial on the outside of a couple layers of plywood, throw a couple more layers on the inside and call it done. My 25 Seafari had less than 1/8" of laminate on the inside of the transom and it was redone professionally.

What a lot of folks don't understand is that a transom is not structural plywood protected by laminate, it's structural laminate cored with plywood. Obviously, there are other core materials, but the same structural principles apply.

There are fundamental differences in cost and quality between a cored laminate and a laminated core. If you go with someone who's quoted a price less than $3K, ask him how thick the inner and outer laminates will be. If it's not at least 1/4" inside and out, walk away or get him to requote it with the original laminate schedule.

There's always the possibility that these shops have lower overhead when they're not having to rent expensive space in a metropolitan area, but I'd still make sure you get a laminate schedule in writing before you let anyone cut into your boat.

My $0.02
Dave