trim around transom. sea Bob?

[waterman]

I have a 98 explorer 215.  It has plastic trim around  the transom that goes under the motor and up the other side of transom. My question is   mine is cracked in a few places,  is there gel coat and is it sealed up under there to protect the transom  or can water get in?  Is it just a decorative piece  the plastic is held in with screws. Or is that the seal ?  
Is that plastic piece replaceable without taking off motor?  Or do you have a better solution to seal that up? Or is nothing to worry about. Thanks

[seabob4]

The trim was installed using a healthy amount of Sikaflex (similar to 5200, Boatlife, etc.) when installed.  It simply covers the seam between the hull and the deck.  

I wouldn't worry a bit...

[waterman]

You made my day!  Thank you for getting back to me so quickly really appreciate your help

[Capt. Bob]

I'm assuming your transom is poured so you'll not have any concerns but this is what i found under my plastic trim.



This pic is after I removed a good deal of the "caulking" on the port side. I never found a replacement trim piece so...

I removed the starboard side (which was in pretty good shape) and had two aluminum pieces made.



I filled in the voids on both sides (created after removing the old caulk/bedding compound) with thickened epoxy.



Using the starboard half (I cut the plastic close to the engine) I had the shop fab that one and a mirror for the port side. I did not replace the piece under the motor.



Good luck.