Inflatable Transom

[kenJ]

I need to replace the top portion of the plywood transom. It is delaminating and the wood is rotting. Think only about the top 2 inches needs to be replaced. The wood near the tubes is good and I will replace the entire engine mounting pad. As this area gets alot of stress from the outboard looking for suggestions on the best method of attaching the new wood. Splined joint? Butt Joint with scabs on both sides? Other? Between myself and my neighbor we have the tools to do just about anything. What is the current choice in glue? The old standby Resorcinal? Epoxy? I've been in a fiberglass boat too long, haven't paid attention to what is going on in wood boats.

Originally Posted by kenJ

I need to replace the top portion of the plywood transom. It is delaminating and the wood is rotting. Think only about the top 2 inches needs to be replaced. The wood near the tubes is good and I will replace the entire engine mounting pad. As this area gets alot of stress from the outboard looking for suggestions on the best method of attaching the new wood. Splined joint? Butt Joint with scabs on both sides? Other? Between myself and my neighbor we have the tools to do just about anything. What is the current choice in glue? The old standby Resorcinal? Epoxy? I've been in a fiberglass boat too long, haven't paid attention to what is going on in wood boats.

Resorcinol is quite a task in the hands of a homebuilder. Epoxy much easier to handle.
A picture would make it easier to go further with recommendations. Guesswork is most likely not what you want.

Regards
Richard

[kenJ]

Originally I was going to replace the inflatable...then I started pricing them. Too many projects have a higher priority, so now looking at repairing.

Good idea about the pictures. I'll get some this weekend.

Resorcinal, maybe I'm using the wrong term. Back in the '70s there was a glue that came in powder form in a quart sized cardboard tube with metal lid. To use, spoon some into another container and mix with water to make a paste and apply. Other having to mix it and clean up, I don't remember it being any harder to use than white wood glue (Elmers).

Weldwood!

[kenJ]

Thats the stuff. Is it still available?

Yes. I often use the stuff to good effect but it is not entirely waterproof like epoxy. I think it wud work fine but recommend you heed Richard's advice.

[kenJ]

The outboard mount on the outside definitely needs to be replaced, and a strip of the transom. Not sure how wide yet to get to good wood. Maybe 1-2". Before I painted this spring I added some screws to supplement the rusting screws on the on the outboard mount. Wood seemed pretty soft so I may end up through bolting the replacement pad.

The last picture lets me assume you will have to replace the entire transom.

[kenJ]

The wood on the inside of the transom is still in good shape. I was considering sanding down the outside to get rid of the crazed/checked outer venier then scabbing on a new 1/8" outside layer.

I was told that it was next to impossible to glue a new transom to the rubber sides/floor. If it is doable, will certainly consider it.

Originally Posted by kenJ

The wood on the inside of the transom is still in good shape. I was considering sanding down the outside to get rid of the crazed/checked outer venier then scabbing on a new 1/8" outside layer.

I was told that it was next to impossible to glue a new transom to the rubber sides/floor. If it is doable, will certainly consider it.

I know it is done, although I personally have no idea how. When I remember well, CDK has some experience in that field.

Regards
Richard