Upcoming Transom Redo

[Capt Terry]

Not too surprisingly I discovered moisture in a baggy left in the sun with wood chips from drilling small holes in my 42 year old Seafari transom. Then while bouncing on the AV plate I measured about 3/8” deflection of the transom near the engine, between the upper and lower engine bolts. Flatness checks horizontally across the transom confirmed distortion and particularly compression of the transom at the bolts for the ETEC. Therefore with a few months of winter coming, I am planning on a transom redo.

As there are no cracks in the aft sheet of the transom and the boat is cosmetically pretty nice and doesn’t need a repaint yet, I will probably use a Seacast pour as done by Skippertee and others. The 20” transom with the Seamark splashwell tub made by Don Herman has served me pretty well. But with heavier (than the old days) guests sitting too far aft, the waterline is slightly above the splashwell drain hole allowing in a little water to coming over the transom at times. I could raise it to 25”-27”. However, due to misalignment of the mechanical steering cable that would drive me to hydraulic steering and complicate the Seacast repair a bit. Probably more later, but a couple questions right now. I have until April to contemplate and complete this effort.

1- Has anyone used the Seacast method and simultaneously raised their transom? How? I have some ideas, but surely there are some good tips among the CSCers.
2- With the raised transom was the splashwell drain hole and splashwell floor raised as well?
3- I am suspecting that those who raised their transom are happy with their decision. Were there any surprises?
Thanks all