Transom Replacemen Lowe Bass boat V17

Hi everyone,

I have a 1989 v17 lowe bass boat with 60hp tilt and trim that needs its transom replaced. The plywood between the the aluminum is rotted and is bowing out a little. I do not have the resources or the know how to disconnect everything, lift the motor pull out the old transom and put in the new and connect everything. I've called numerous places and no one seems to do this type of work. I'm looking for any help or if anyone knows someone in the greater Toronto area that does this type of work.

Also spoke to the local lowe dealer who mentioned if I was the original owner the transom would have been covered under warranty (Thanks for the kick in the you know what)

Cheers,
Bill

 

I don't know anyone in your area, but on your boat, it's not as difficult as you might think, particularly compared to a 'glass boat.

 

Transom Replacement

Bill, I'm not in your area, don't know anyone there but... I do know a very knowledgeable aluminum shop that can help with designs for your local craftsmen or welders.

http://www.fishonfabrications.com/ Fish On Fab even shows this type of project in their home page.

I'm not suggesting you need to go that far south, but at least this is a man who knows what needs to be done, perhaps he'd sell a design? Maybe he'd consult for a fee?

I don't know what kind of help they can be? maybe none? but I can see this shop in Georgia does this type of work.

Worst case, if you had firm dimensions of the existing transom assembly perhaps you could have one made by Fish On to be shipped to a local shop for installation?

Cheers,
Kevin Morin
Kenai, AK

 

This doesn't need any engineering or consultation, as any reasonable shop can handle a repair like this. In your area there are lots of repair shops, most will deal nearly exclusively with 'galls boats, but some will also be familiar enough with aluminum. Some leg work is all this requires.

 

The transom would have been covered under warranty, but then nobody does that type of work...? What would the dealer have done with your boat if it had been under warranty?

Haul the boat around and actually show it to repair shops or anyone who is reasonably handy, some one should be able to fix it. Go ask around at some marinas or boat livaries/rental places. If they can't repair it, ask if they know anyone who can.

 

Thanks for the helps I started calling around last year but all the marinas just seem to work on motor issues. I am going to check with an old neighbour who is retired from GM and has built 2 or 3 wood boats a can see if he can fix it over the winter. I know what the job entails. I have to pull the back platform. Disconnect tilt trim and steering motor remove bolts drill out rivets remove old rotted transom make a template cut new marine ply or treat regular ply with gluvit slide it back in and rebolt everything. Everyone I have talked to like my car mechanic who has owned boats his whole life says it is a big time consuming job that he has never preformed. That is why no marina will touch it. I may just do it myself then open a business on the side.
cheers,
Bill

 

It's really not a big job on your boat. The engine has to come off, but this is a standard and common process for any boat mechanic. The splash well/ thwart, whatever also does have to come out, but again, these things aren't difficult, nor especially messy or itchy, like a 'glass boat is. Skip the Gluvit, as it's just a marked up "rebadging" of another product. Also, if you decide to use plywood from the big box store, make sure it's rated WBP. The plywood industry has made changes in recent years and there's a lot of exterior plywood that's only rated "resistant", meaning it's fine under siding, under roof shingles, etc., but not continuous moisture or "ground" contact. If you do use the big box store stuff, consider using multiple sheets, so you can increase the veneer count in the transom. For example, instead of 2 layers of 3/4" (19 mm), use 3 layers of 1/2" (13 mm). On your boat, you don't have to glue the transom core to the aluminum skin and it's preferred you don't. A good adhesive bedding, like 3M-101 is preferred. You should epoxy the plywood sheets together though. I'm completely convinced you can pull this off in your driveway and save the money the marina will beat you up for.