Transom suggestions/recommendations needed

[FELLOW-SHIP]

It’s too bad we don’t have a M.R.I. machine for boat transoms that would solve all the problems regarding the if and when issues. Since we don’t I have a few rules of thumb when it comes to project boats. For me this one applies “when in doubt cut it out.” If the boat is over 15 yrs old and you have problems just do it the question in when. Oh don’t forget the beer factor.
FellowShip

[gw204]

"When in doubt...cut it out!"

I like that! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

As of right now, this is not an emergency, but I know it's inevitable. I haven't done the "lower unit jump test" yet.

I guess I just first need to figure out how long she'll be around. Sure, I want a bigger boat, but this one IS paid for.... [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

In any event, here's my latest idea....

Cut the top cap just in front of the fish boxes and run that cut down to the floor. Cut around the fish boxes and across the deck in front of the splashwell door. Yank all that out. Rebuild to a full transom. Address any issues with the stringers while she's open. Once the bilge work is done, glass in a new floor and run it all the way to the sides of the boat. Reinstall the top cap after cutting approx. 8" down from the gunwale and reinforce accordingly. Build a new transom cap to match the now cut original cap. Possibly reinstall only one well in each corner to maintain a space for the oil tank, washdown pump, etc. Smooth the interior walls of the hull and spray with gelcoat. Install full width platform bracket.

Plan to do the rest of the cap and the rest of the floor the next year.

The end result would be very similar to the 20' Dusky, but without the front casting deck. Use two large coolers for removable storage space and seating. Going about it this way, would give me more room and cut down on the extensive glasswork involved in rebuilding the top cap/inner liner, but it wouldn't be as pretty. I'm confident I could make it look good though.

What do you guys think?

Of course, I also found a 1974 25' Wellcraft NOVA locally. It's an old speedboat hull that looks to have lots of deadrise and lots of potential. $300 and it's less than 45 minutes away.... [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[pogden]

Brian,
If it was me I would do the jump test, if you don't get any flex, I would wait until the fall to do your transom. Then I would buy the Wellcraft and work on that. That way you will get a little glasswork under your belt, so when you do your Grady you'll have that experience to help you.

And you will be on you way to the multi-boat theory!

[gw204]

Well, after attempting to dry the holes, I epoxied them up as best I could. They were still kind of wet inside and I really doubt they would ever get completely dry. Oh well, I had to close them up. When it rains, that well gets wet inside and I didn't want them soaking up any more water. I don't know how good the repair will hold. It least had the glass around the holes clean and dry. After I filled them, I noticed some weeping from the top hole. It's far away from the area that gets wet, so I'm gonna try not to worry about it.

I also did the "lower unit jump test". The transom didn't flex any whatsoever. So, I think I'm at least OK for this season..... I wasn't planning to start until the fall anyway.

I brought my wife outside and showed her what I'm contemplating doing. She wasn't excited..... [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[RS]

I'd at least unscrew your trim tabs from the transom, let it drain for a couple days, then re-attach them correctly. That is probably where the water came from to begin with. You might want to address your swim platform as well.

[gw204]

Roger, that was done mid-summer last year. I had every hole from the tabs and swim platform bone dry. When I resealed, I used lots of 5200. It would be a tremendous PIA to try and get that stuff back off so I don't wanna go down that road again. Every hole on the outside of the transom was re-sealed within the past year and I'm 99% sure none of them are leaking. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]