Replacing Transom

[Phan000]

I have a 1973 20' and am towards the end of a lengthy resoration. I need to replace the transom and want to raise it up to 25''.

I will need to do this from the outside and do not want to cut the cap.

I have searched through numerous threads but cannot find detailed instructions for this job. If anyone can help me with this I would really appreciate it. Thanks

[Islandtrader]

Try this link for a start, and follow it back. CSC transom outside

[thehermit]

Here is another thread that was going on not too long ago. I sent you a pm too.

[Phan000]

If I fill the edges with putty, how are they tied into the rest?

Do I unstand correctly that when using this method the top edges have no wood core just putty?

If the top edge is only filled with putty, than where do the towing hooks get their strength from?

[hermco]

web page The transom gets it's strength from the fiberglass laminate used,the core gives it the stiffness. This article will explain the core concept better than I can.

[Phan000]

Thanks for the link. Some great info.

What you are saying is that the lifting eyes will be fine without having a wood core provided that they are tied in with the rest of the transom?

[hermco]

The area where the lift eyes are has a wood core now and if you remove it because it is rotted you will need something to fill that gap, new wood, high density core, putty etc.

[McGillicuddy]

Perhaps a silly question but more specifically, what is "putty." Thanks.

[hermco]

"Putty" A paste used to glue parts together or fill voids. Bondo is body putty for autos. You can purchase a variety of putties for use on boats that help you achieve different results or perform different functions. You can add various fillers to gelcoat and resin to make your own putties. I think West Marine user guide has a section on using their fillers to make epoxy putties. I make a putty from resin,cabosil,milled fibers,and talc to fill large voids. Bill Potter once told me that when he owned Seacraft they bought a couple of old industrial kitchen mixers or some other machine to make their putty. It's the stuff you see when you try to remove the liner and aft livewell.

[thehermit]

You may also find some of the original "mixing bowl putty" when you remove the transom core.