Repair or replace transom?

[MJF]

Hi all, I have a 1985 Tournament with a 140hp Suzuki. The transom cracked where the engine bolt goes through. Any idea if I can repair? Or will I need to replace the whole transom? Purchased in 2018. Has been great until now. May just sell outboard and junk it. Thanks!

 

[DennisG01]

There really isn't a "replace" - it's all "repair". For it to crack like that, I suspect the water has been seeping into the transom for a long time... well before 2018. It CAN be repaired - and it WILL be time consuming - whether it's something you can do or you hire someone... that's up to you and your comfort level. Materials aren't too bad - it's the labor. Most likely this isn't a spot repair - it will be the entire wood in the transom.

 

[PointedRose]

Step 1 is getting the engine off. Agree with Dennis, that’s a pretty good crack there. I would not have confidence on the water as is needless to say. This site has a section on transom repairs and also search this forum for some research of what others have done. It’s doable although you may have better luck finding another hull to use that engine.

Rot Repair in Glass Boats - The Rot Doctor

How to use epoxies to repair or replace transoms, floors, stringers and supports, engine bed mounts, wood-cored decks, delamination and other problem areas.

www.rotdoctor.com

 

[rockpool]

Meh - I would bolt a piece of plywood on the inside of the transom, bolt the motor through to that, fill the crack with thickened epoxy, and keep my eye on it.

To do it "right" would mean a complete transom repair, but who knows how much rot there is.

shore it up and keep your eye out for a new hull maybe?

 

[blindmullet]

I would replace the transom core from the outside and then repair the crack in the skin on the inside. That is a really odd crack you have there! Usually, the washers will start to appear like they are pushing in as the core rots--not the case here.

 

[DennisG01]

Actually, it looks like this issue was there for quite a while. Someone had put silicone over the crack as a band aid.

I would NOT recommend doing a quick fix... the last thing you want is to be offshore (or anywhere) and have the engine fall off and possibly take the transom with it while you're out on the water.

 

[DennisG01]

That is a really odd crack you have there! Usually, the washers will start to appear like they are pushing in as the core rots--not the case here.

They washers probably did do just that... until it cracked. This is a case of neglect - this didn't happen over night - it started many years ago.

MJF, I feel for you. Yes, it's something that you should have taken notice of (and/or the previous owner should have mentioned with good ethics in mind... or if a survey was done it would have been found), but I know it sucks to buy a boat and then find out about this. Unfortunately, it's the nature of older boats.

 

[MJF]

Thanks everyone. As much as I'd like to tackle this, I think I am going to sell and get another boat. I trailer this and it's just too big. The lack of a good place to put a trolling motor also really cramps my style for fishing. I also have two soft spots on the deck. So ...

For sale: 2002 140hp Suzuki four-stroke with 449 hours. Recent service. Good compression. Runs great!

 

[rprieser]

1988 Gulfstream owner who has restored 4 older Grady's and posted on this thread:

There are two types of older Grady owners, those who have replaced their transom and those who will. Replaced mine 3 years ago and money will spent.