The transom of a powerboat is the strongest part of the vessel. It must transmit the full power of the engine to the rest of the hull, as well as carry the pounding of the hull back to the engine. The great forces exerted between the engine and the hull come to a focus at the transom. This is the single most important part of an outboard boat, yet for some reason, it takes more abuse than any other part. Eventually a transom will succumb to its abuse and weaken to the point that your boat is not seaworthy. Do not let this happen to your boat! If you see any signs of the boat transom getting week, stop driving your boat and get it fixed.
Diagnosing Transom Issues
The boat transom board can be a bit tricky to figure out—especially if you never consider it until it’s time to repair it. But try to understand what’s going on. Do you have dry rot? Is the wood simply getting old? Do you have other issues that have caused the wood to deteriorate over time? Think of it as diagnosing a problem. With the proper diagnosis, you’ll be able to come up with the right way to repair it and won’t have to spend a lot of money doing the wrong things.
Determining If The Wood Is Rotting
Many boat owners recommend that when your boat is out of the water and in dry dock, you should knock on the wood to get a sense of how it sounds. If you get a “hollow” sound, that’s the sign that you could be facing rotting wood. Another suggestion is to use a moisture meter that will indicate moisture levels in the wood.
Repairing Or Replacing The Transom
Every boat is different. Some have curved transoms that require the new core to be laminated to the curvature of the boat. Some boats have splash wells molded in that necessitate separating the hull and deck. Some boats have stringers that may get in the way, or a floor that must be partially removed, or any number of other unforeseen hurdles to get past.
Professional Transom Repair Or Replacement
Good installation is a must. Piecing together a nice transom and deck is no small undertaking, but it can be done. But to do it right, this is one job that is best left to the professionals. At Anchor Marine Repair in Delano, MN, we are dedicated to fixing anything wrong with your boat properly and quickly, allowing you to enjoy more time on the water. Our highly skilled technicians can provide anything from transom replacement services to serious structural damages, on all types, sizes, and styles of boats, including yachts and pontoons. Call for a free estimate and consultation (763) 972-3540.
