Transom Delamination

[naytep]

I have a 78 196 Sportsman outboard. Along the top edge of the transom on the exterior its split. The previous owner sealed it with marine sealent, but this certainly is no repair. I am getting reddy to remove the outboard so that I can get at the are better. I plan to spray the hull with new gelcoat to restore the look and at the same time I want to address this issue. The transome doesnt appear to be delaminated beyond an inch or so around the split. Can I grind this split back and reglass then re-gel? Is it going to require a transome replacement? Just trying to get a little input. If its going to require a new transome I will probably run the boat this season then sell next spring. If I can glass it up and get a decent repair I will probably continue to run the boat for years, I love the open layout and it handles the bay and big pond pretty well although the ride is a little wet.

[pete]

the best way to tell if transom is rotten is to drill some test hole in different paces on the transom and see if wet wood comes out if the shavings are dry you are ok,but more than likely if the top is open you got water in there.good luck

[naytep]

If its wet, can it be dried? I am assuming if its wet it will also be black and rotten, then I know the anwer.
It was well sealed so I have my fingers crossed.

[pete]

you could dry it,but it would be dry rotten wood,no strength

[naytep]

I see that Flkyaqua had the same problem on his 73 and was able to repair it. Maybe I can be so lucky. I have a guy who was with eggharbor for 20+ years coming to look at it.  I am going to peel the seal and do a little probing tonight with a long 1/8" drill bit.

[wingtime]

Could this be the seam where the cap and hull meet?  (I'm not familiar with that model Aqua)

[naytep]

I believe the spot is one in the same. It doesnt have a cap but that is the area where a cap would go. Its about an 3/3" from the top of transom all the way across.

[slvrlng]

Does the crack look like this one on my 73 19-6?

[naytep]

These are the pics of the Transom cracks. They were filled with marine sealant, not caulk when I bought her 4 years ago.



Anyone else have the same issue?

[slvrlng]

Very common. Get a dremel with a acorn shaped bit and grind it out. You can fill the area back in with Marinetex or if you want a gelcoat repair go to wally world and get some bondo glass. Mix it up with the hardener and fill where you ground, then let it cure, sand and coat with gelcoat. Done.

[naytep]

Thats one of the best things I have heard. Makes for a very easy repair. I plan to re-gel the hull anyway. Gives it that new boat smell. If you lived closer I would buy you a beer.