I'm looking for opinions on the condition of my transom. First a little background. The boat is a '74 and it has never had more than a single straight 6 merc on the back. I've stood on the lower unit of the motor and pulled back and forth and haven't see any movement of the transom at all. The transom does not have any bow to it. There are no stress cracks on the transom itself, but the transom has started to pull away slightly from the upper deck. (see pics below) I know this common,, but I'm hoping that those with more experience can share their opinions. Thanks, Kevin
Mark is the expert on this issue. The boat is 34 years old. I'd say it did pretty well. It appears to me that it is bowed a little and that is why it pulled out from under the deck. In my opinion, the issue is whether the transom core is dry. And, if it is dry, how do you keep it dry? Once a little water gets in, it is the beginning of the end. I have been trying to think of a way to keep a new boat transom dry. I don't like the idea of depending on sealer to do that. Some say that a composite transom is the answer, but I believe that composite transom cores will not fare well with water in them either. If I ever build up another boat, it will have only four holes in the transom for the motor mounts. And I think they will be oversize with some sort of a clamp-up bushing inside bonded to the transom with aluminum plates over that. jim
There is bow on the transom, probably at the top that is really the only way it will pull from the top cap like that. I have the same issue, mine is not getting any worse at the moment and the wood is dry and firm. I plan on redoing the transom on my boat in the next couple of years. As long as you don't have any movement I would say that you are ok. You might try drilling some small holes about inch down from the top of the transom to check on the wood quality. If it comes out dry you are ok, damp you could have problems. Daniel
Thanks guys. My boat guy said almost exactly what you've said. He wants to test the transom by drilling some tiny holes in it. The tool he was going to use had a special name, I just can't remember what he called it. A basic visual check of the transom has lead us to believe that there is still life in it. Kevin