My Transom Repair Project on my 1983 27

gljjr

I finally got some time this summer to work on the boat. Since I already have the engine out, I decided to pull the Transom Shield off (yes this is an I/O) to reseal it and check the transom for rot. Once I removed the transom I found the balsa core was rotted around the bottom two mounting bolts. Digging it out with a small rasp I also found that it had rotted where the swim deck was installed and where the transducer was installed. So, now comes the hard part.

I took a circular saw and cut the inner transom to a depth just less than the outer fiberglass skin. Then took a Sawzall and cut the sole so I would have room to work on the transom and the ability to place the new wood on the transom once I get it down to the outer glass layer. Below is a picture of where I am today.

I still have a lot of Balsa and Plywood to remove. Removing the rotted wood was easy. Removing the good stuff is a bear! The cut out section is roughly 18" high by 4' long. The raised section above the cut out is where they put balsa core.

The interesting part is that the boat has an outer layer of glass, then a layer of end grain balsa another layer of glass then another layer of either exterior ply or end grain balsa and finally a layer of glass.

When I go to put it back together I will have a double thickness of 3/4" Marine Ply (Man is this stuff expensive!) and then a couple of layers of heavy glass/epoxy. I'm not yet sure how I will do the sole. I would really like to replace the whole sole all the way up to the cabin, but I don't know that my glassing skills are up to the task. The sole is done in end grain balsa and when I cut off the section I found a couple of spots with rot. 1 was right next to the rotted transom but the other wasn't. I'm not sure where the water came from for it.

SGIDave · Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 8:10 pm Post subject:

Hello Gary,

That is an interesting project...regarding power, will you be refitting with outboard/s on a bracket or staying with the I/O?

just curious,

/david

gljjr · Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 8:25 pm Post subject:

David,

I'll be going with an I/O and a 4.3l V6. Originally it had a Volvo Penta AQ175 with a Penta 280 outdrive. The AQ175 is a Chev 231cid V6. Since I couldn't find an exact replacement block I decided to go the inexpensive way and ordered up a 4.3L long block from Chevrolet. My outdrive is in fairly good shape but I broke the Y-Pipe for the exhaust and so I'll likely get a used 290 (I'll rebuild it if needed) to put back in with hydraulic Tilt/Trim.

I looked at putting an outboard on it but just can't see spending $15k+ on a new motor! I've got about $1500 in the V6 and if I get the 290, I'll be in that another $1500 or so. Much easier on the pocket book!

snal · Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 8:40 pm Post subject:

Man I wish you "project guys" lived near me...I'd love to get some experience by helping.

Jazzmanic · Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 11:05 pm Post subject:

Gary,

It's great to see you moving forward on the project. I look forward to tracking your progess and hope to see you on the water in the near future.

tomherrick · Guest

Gary,

Interesting about the double-cored glass sandwich. Is that only on the transom or does it include the hull; and if it's done on the hull, is it just for the engine mount or does it extend further?

Nice boat...

Tom

Pat Anderson · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 8:40 am Post subject:

Gary charges $80/hr for the work, $100/hr if you watch, and $200/hr if you help!

gljjr · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 2:22 pm Post subject:

Tom,

Just in this section of the Transom. If you look at the picture, you will see where the section above the cutout is raised slightly. This section is Glass/Balsa Endgrain/ Glass. It looks like they added the second raised section (the part I am replacing) after the fact.

gljjr · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 2:24 pm Post subject:

snal · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 2:26 pm Post subject:

gljjr · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 3:00 pm Post subject:

If I don't get this thing done soon. You just might get the project for a really low cost. SHMBO is putting serious pressure on me to get it fixed Sad

snal · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 4:49 pm Post subject:

Jazzmanic · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 7:23 pm Post subject:

snal · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 7:26 pm Post subject:

Jazzmanic · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 7:33 pm Post subject:

Thanks Snal! Laughing