How to check a transom

[oldfielder]

hey Boni-b
Let me know how it turns out tomorrow.

[Bigshrimpin]

It would be pretty funny if you pull out a drill and tell the owner you just want to check a few things

I'd let someone drill . . . but only if they had cash in hand and the deal was contingent on the outcome. If there is no flex in the transom when you jump on the cavitation plate or tilt the motor and hang on it . . . then you are safe for at least a few years.

[FELLOW-SHIP]

My un scientific approach always has worked for me. “AGE” how old is it?? If the transom is 20-25 years old and it is made of wood chances are very good it needs to be redone. My outboard saltwater motor approach is, if the motor is 10 years old or more it’s about time to replace. Yes there are always exceptions to this general rule but wood transoms rot and outboards is saltwater just crap out for one reason or another. After 45 years of saltwater fishing I have never sunk or needed to be towed in. Boats are like Airplanes you don’t want them to break First before you fix or replace parts.

FellowShip

………………………….

Just for the Grins

Official Antique Classic SeaCraft Owner

[wtenglish]

Fellow-Ship,

that's a great rule to live by. "Boats are like Airplanes you don’t want them to break First before you fix or replace parts."

I on the other hand have been towed in at least a half dozen times while fishing with other people. My current restoration is my first salt water vessel so I am going to try and live by that rule!!

[JohnB]

Moisture meter to check for water. The only limitation is it doesn't work well through metal/abative bottom paint. Also, the rubber malet for delamination/etc. The screw method works because most of the time, water come in through improperly sealed screw holes.

[BoniB]

Well, I looked at it again today and left a deposit. There are virtually no stress crack on the transom, no plates or any evidence of any problems to my eye. I got on the engine pretty good and there was no movement.

Thanks for all the input on this thread and many of the other questions I've asked. I learned as much as possible in a short amount of time about the 20SF and think I made a good choice thanks to this site. Hopefully I'll learn how to post pics soon.

It's a 1974 20SF Yellow hull. No power... thats my next quest.

Thanks agin,
Boni-B