New transom wood - how to hold in place

[abl1111]

What is the best way to hold a wetted out new transom in place for a solid cure ? This is from the inside.

Also, any problem w/ using AC ply ( FIR ) as opposed to Marine ply ? FYI: I'm not interested in any transom material other than these two..

Thx

[FELLOW-SHIP]

I had and barrowed a bunch of sea clamps, plus I used the glue and screw method. I used the sea clamps on the top of the transom and used screws through a lot of the existing through hull fittings on the transom you can use a block of wood on the outside of the transom and a long wood screw or you can use bolts and washers drilling through the plywood and through the existing wholes in the transom. There will be a few arrears you might decide to use that do not have existing wholes that’s OK you can fill them up later. On the 2 layer of plywood you can screw from the inside to the existing plywood of the first layer of transom material. I used ¾” marine grade plywood after the job I decided that if I had to do this all over again I would use 3 layers of ½” instead easier to work with and 6 layers of epoxy on the plywood instead of 4. Now 1 & ½ years later I would use the new composed material ya they cost more but no concern of water rotting 10 years from now either.
Fellow-Ship [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[Finster]

What I did was to take two 2x4's run them accross the outside of the transom, drill hole's through both and bolt it tight. And lots of C clamps along the top.

[abl1111]

Uh huh. Chris, what did you use as transom material. I have a fiberglass guy helping me who says, ( and I quote ) " if it's done right w/ (2) 3/4" pcs of ply - it will last forever "

I kind of agree w/ him. We are palnning on using polyester for the entire project - even the ply edges.

What d'you guys think ?

[Finster]

Alan, I used 2 3/4 marine grade plywood and epoxy. Most pro's seem to use polyester and I am not sure why? Maybe price. I've worked with both and like the epoxy better.....what ever.

I've sent you pic's several times, you ever get'em?

[Ed]

abl111-

Your fiberglass buddy is right. Most of the pros do use polyester resin (unless the boat is made out of vineylester resin- you basically need to match the hatch, so to speak) and two layers of 3/4 inch marine ply. I would steer away from the AC plywood.

As far as epoxy is concerned, I am not so sure it its lack of use amongs the pros has to do with price.....I think it might have to do with the cure time, mixing ratio sensitivity and the fact that most boats are made out of polyester resin.

Don't get me wrong, I think epoxy is a great product especially for guys like us. I just used some penetrating epoxy to seal up some exposed wood around some thru-hulls in my transom.

Good luck