transom rebuild

[hotlude91]

ok so here it goes,i have finally got all the rotted wood out of my transom from the inside.the outer skin isnt that thick at all.this is my first time rebuilding a boat.well now that im this far i was wondering what i should do next.What kind of fiberglass do i use and epoxy,also how much do i need.what should i use for the transom,wood,or composite,im planning on adding an outboard flotation bracket on my 69 20' seafari.Im also not sure on which layer of mat goes down first.i really need some detailed instructions.I would like to order the glass soon,but i dont want to under order and not have enough.Please help im stuck up to the next point..This site is awesome thanks..

[Bigshrimpin]

Pick up the west systems manual $3 and read about replacing transoms. You'll need at least 5 gallons of resin and 2 4x8 sheets of marine plywood . . . 2 sheets of marine ply will give you 3 layers. Also get a big bag of cabosil/aerosil.

Do NOT buy west systems resin and hardener . . . it's marked up 500%. Order resin and material from www.uscomposites.com

[GroveGuy]

Another vote for the West System Handbook

Do yourself a favor and have plenty of protective white suits, latex gloves and a good respirator mask. It's a messy job.

Oh yea, very important - don't forget to have a few frosty cold adult beverages within reach of your project at all times.

[BigLew]

Just a suggestion;

Try and set up some reasonably effective vacuum arrangement. The more dust, etc. that you pull out of the air/area as you make it- the better for your lungs, etc.

[FELLOW-SHIP]

The west booklet is a great place to start. You can do a search on this sight about transoms and you will find lots of conversations about replacing transoms and most of your questions would be answered. If I were you I would build up the outside wall to 3/8”thick then either 2 sheets of ¾” or 3 sheets of 1/2” either marine ply or composite materials. Now a days most of your new boats transoms are made out of composite Coosa composite www.coosacomposites.com/ is the best and most expensive out there and would last probably for ever. Marine ply is cheaper and will last 20 years or more. If I were to do it all over again I would use Coosa not because I don’t like marine ply but because of the possible re sale of my boat 10 or 15 years in the future. The glass you need is woven roven like 1708 or 1808 and epoxy look as a few try www.shopmaninc.com You should make the inside skin approx ¼” thick and build several extra layers all around the edger many of us added knees to also add support. Do you homework First there is plenty of info here to help kind of like carpentry measure twice and cut once. You can also view several projects on this sigh under Seacraft galleries that will show some transom re dues.


FellowShip
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Just for the Grins

[warthog5]

The glass you need is woven roven like 1708 or 1808

1708 & 1808 is not a Roven Woven. It is a Biaxle and is stronger in the same weight and easier to conform.

[Fishjack]

Another alternative is RAKA - He has reasonable prices on his epoxy and will work with you on your project.. Larry is a nice guy and I have been very pleased with his customer service.

Best of luck.. Jack

[WillyC]

I used the Raka epoxy and Coosa board on my project - 20' sf. Both are very good products. The six gallon kit of epoxy is definitely the way to go. A very good buy at about $250. I have used about 8 gallons so far but have also recored all my hatches and done lots of console modifications and splash well mods. I also bought all my glass from Raka too. 1708 and 2408 is what I used.