I worked too late on my transom tonight. I couldn't help but relax and read the posts about replacing transoms, and felt that I should put in my 2 cents. I have built new, and replaced many old transoms. This is the second time in 25 or so years that I am replacing the transom in my 69 CC. The first time, I used Okoume plywood, and like I said, it has lasted about 27 years. I DID NOT cut out the fiberglass on the back of the transom, because there is a substantial amount of structural integrity that I feel is compromised if you do. That is just my opinion, and I know that it is all plastic, and should bond together just fine. It is so much easier to do, and gives you something to guide and bond to if you leave it. This time I am using 1 and1/2 inch Coosa Board. No matter if it's wood or fiberglass, I use epoxy, only because I have experimented with polyester resin in the past. I was helping a friend of mine work on his Ford and he asked me how I knew so much about mechanics. I told him that it was because my first vehicle was a Ford, and I have driven a Chevrolet ever since.
That being said, if you are physically able, have the tools and place to do it, do it yourself. $5K to 7K? No way. All said and done, doing it yourself with a composite transom, you will spend maybe $2000.00. Not that you can put a price one of the best boats ever built, or ever sell a SeaCraft, (It's saying I spelled SeaCraft incorrectly) you will also greatly increase the resale value.
Get rid of ALL the wood. There is wood in your stringers that is probably rotten as well, but won't affect their structural integrity if you take it out. As far as finish, 12 oz bias cloth with the mat sown into it will prevent "Print Through". Considering the complete pain in the neck of using gelcoat, the new paints available work and look perfect.
One other thing I need to mention is that you need to wear a respirator. The wood in your transom and stringers can hold many airborne things that can make you very sick.
I have worked on boats so much that I wasn't able to go out in the boat. If you have the money, spend it. If you want to save money and get out in the boat sooner, get hot...
My Father would tell me that, "Good Judgement Comes From Experience, And Experience Comes From Bad Judgement".
Well...It's 3:30 in the morning...I guess that's it. Sorry for the Ramblings, but Thanks for letting me be here!
Chris.
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