Transom Rot

[olcop]

Just recently bought an 87 Fisherman 20, and I'm beginning to suspect that it has some transom rot,can you guys suggest some ways of checking for sure? Since it's an early model, I suspect that it doesn't have a composite transom but would appreciate knowing for sure,
I did a search on "transom Rot" on the forum, but nothing I read seems to address the main question for me,
ie: is it practical or cost worthy to have the transom replaced? and if so, do you have any idea of the costs?
and is it possible to do it yourself, or is it a professional's repair?
At this point, I can't replace the boat, so I have to rule out that answer.
I know I have a lot of questions for a brand new member and for my first post, but I will appreciate any information, advice or suggestions.
olcop :mrgreen:

 

[exudedude]

Tap the transom with a small ball peen hammer the sound should be sharp, if it sounds hollow drill a 1/4" hole. Hopefully the the wood from the hole is dry and solid. If not you have issues. You can do it yourself if you are a decent craftsman. But if not it would probably be best to send it to the shop. I have no clue what shop cost would be.

 

[onoahimahi]

The transom on my 1994 Sailfish was replaced in 2006 for $5000 by the previous owner. There are lots of posts and videos around on how to do this, for example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oJnOm7v4Pw

If I ever do one, I'm going to follow the method described by Dunk here using 1/4" luan mahogany which is thin enough that it will nearly soak through with the epoxy:

http://www.wmi.org/www/boating/boatboard/t15520.htm

There is another post here by Dunk with some Grady specific comments:

http://www.wmi.org/saltfish/saltboard/t29085.htm

Good luck,
-Scott

 

[VeroWing]

I did a complete transom rebuild on a mid-80s Grady Seafarer a few backs. I documented the whole thing on a boat builders forum that helped give me advise on the correct way to go about it. http://forums.bateau2.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=19949. It was a LOT of work, and surely not for everyone, but I built it back better than when Grady built it, and it cost right around $600. More than worth it for me.

The best way I've found to check the existing transom for water and rot are: 1. Remove screw(s) holding transducer/speedometer wheel, trim tab, etc that is located near outside bottom of transom and see if water comes out. 2. If this is a notched outboard model, remove screws holding aluminum angle molding around the notch area and push an ice pick like tool into the screw holes and feel if wood core is soft. 3. If outboard equipped, removed one at a time outboard to transom bolts and use an ice pick type tool around bolt hole sides to check for bad wood.