Greetings from Traverse City, MI! I am new to the forum and wondered if anyone can help me out. I have an 8' dinghy, West Marine Groupe Zodiac Model RU-260. It is kind of beat up, but I want to make it new again. I tore apart the old rotted transom and cleaned out the insides where the transom goes in the sides. The little spindles inside are pretty complex and wondered if anyone had some ideas for replacing the transom or better yet- know where I can get a cut out template for this model so I can be precise on my cuts into the new piec of marine grade plywood I bought... Any suggestions are appreciated. I plan to get the new transom in and fiberglass the around the transom holders and possibly put bolts into it to hold the transom further... Help!!
West Marine RU-260 Transom replacement
- Thread starter Lanaki
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thataway
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I had a similar boat, which had a plastic transom, and I made a marine plywood transom for it. But it is not easy. First make the pattern out of cardboard--it takes experimentation. The curve is compound and somewhat of an "S" where it meets the sides. You cannot glass the transom to the side brackets or fabric--it will be too rigid, and may not hold well. This was my biggest problem. I tried all sorts of glues, including 2 part Bostic, inflatable PVC glues etc. Finally I used 5200, and it worked very well. BUT, you have to make a clamping device--SS bolts will help (be sure that the ends are well ground down and flush to the bolts when done. I would use carpet and folded up newspaper, be sure and mask the surrounding area of the fabric and transom well, so you don't get the 5200 on it. I put pressure on the transom and PVC holders on the side, both with short "C" clamps, and then made a spanish windlass to bring the transom tight into the sides of the PVC brackets--the rolled up newspapers (deflated pontoons) gave the contours to allow pressure where the pontoons would have been inflated. Allow to cure for over a week--and then use. You can glass the transom, but not onto the boat.
Thanks Bob! By far, the biggest hep so far in my lengthy quest to bring this dinghy back to life (now it's personal!) 
...... I am unfamiliar with 5200. Is that some type of glue? How about a hot glue gun to go over it with as a final seal? too messy?
...... I am unfamiliar with 5200. Is that some type of glue? How about a hot glue gun to go over it with as a final seal? too messy?thataway
Active member
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- Reaction score
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- C Dory Year
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- Hull Identification Number
- DOR25652A707
- Vessel Name
- thataway
5200 is a single part polyurethane sealant. There are quick dry and UV resistant varieties. It is mostly a sealant, but also a very effective adhesive....most of the time.
You will have to mask carefully. But it was the best solution for me--and we tried many specific products, including what was recommended by Zodiac.
You will have to mask carefully. But it was the best solution for me--and we tried many specific products, including what was recommended by Zodiac.