Rubber Strip along transom deteriorating

Capt Mac

Hello Everyone

I have a 2007 25-ft C-Dory cruiser. The transom has a 3-in wide rubber bumper on the top of it. It is starting to deteriorate and there is one part I can peel up and see underneath it. My concern is water getting into the balsa core.

I have a few questions.

Number one is that part of the transom sealed? Or, if the rubber was gone, would the balsa wood be exposed or at risk of exposure? If I replace it, should I have that whole transom epoxied or sealed?

Number two. Does anyone know where I can replace this piece of rubber? I spoke to C-Dory and they sent me to Integrity Marine where they currently get their rubber bumpers that goes on the transom. Integrity was great to work with when I called them but they do not have anything that is 3 in wide. Their widest is 2 in. The one I currently have on the boat is 3 in wide. I'm not sure if this would matter or not.

Number three. Has anyone else dealt with replacing this? I may just get some good adhesive that is waterproof and try to reseal the current bumper. Removing and replacing is not easy as the motors need to be removed. I am just nervous about the balsa core getting water in it so I may be overthinking it.

Any help is appreciated! I do have pictures if anyone would like them. Thanks in advance!

Jared McFarland
Reel Escape
208-771-1454

thataway · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2025 9:26 pm Post subject:

The top of the transom is part of the hull to deck joint. It should be water tight, unless something has damaged it. Usually there is a plastic strip--I don't know the exact dimensions or a source. This joint should have both mat and 1708 or cloth in alternate layers. This is finished and gel coated after the boat is out of the mold.

Capt Mac · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2025 10:39 pm Post subject:

thataway · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2025 2:47 pm Post subject:

Yes, unless you can see raw core, then the transom is sealed. Water can still get into the core--and around the bolts holding the motor is the most common place. Many folks will put an aluminum bar on the inside of the transom, both above and below the splashwell. These bars spread the forces put on the transom by the outboard over a large area of fiberglassed core material.

tsturm