Concerned about my transom, need some help....

mitchman · #1 06-28-2010, 01:57 AM

The transom on my 1969 20SF is showing its age. First the stringer detached from the transom (previous owner did a shoddy repair job which didn't work). Then I noticed a 1-2" crack on top of the transom in the splashwell, which I drilled out & filled but the filler is now cracking. Now I have a 3" crack developing on the inside of the transom in the splashwell. I'm scared now.

First, I need some professional eyes to take a look at my transom, can anyone recomend a good surveyor around cape cod?

Second, if the transom needs full replacement, what would be the cost for materials for myself to rebuild the transom?

What this boils down to is I need to figure out whether the cost in materials & time will be greater than what I can spend. I may or may not have a place to do the work, which could be the deciding factor.

Its my first season with the boat but I really like her! The 98 Mariner runs great and the trailer is in great shape. I have been following the various threads on this site and they are very inspirational!

Thanks!

FELLOW-SHIP · #2 06-28-2010, 07:53 AM

Owning a SeaCraft is kind of like Marriage with out a ring or kiss “for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to death do we part”

Don’t give up on her just because she needs a butt lift.

You just need 2 sheets of marine plywood, 3 or so gal. of Epoxy, and some fiberglass
Should take you approx 40 hrs of work and approx $750 to $1,000.

To divorce her and find a new girl would cost lots more than that. Plus if you stay with her through the tuff times you can ride her and enjoy her till death do you part.

SeaCrafts are good girl and will never let you down.

There are at least 100 transom projects posted on this sight you can pull all the info you need by doing a search.

Good Luck

FellowShip

………………………….

Just for the Grins

Official 23’ SF Antique Classic SeaCraft Owner

thehermit · #3 06-28-2010, 08:20 AM

With a few more $100 bills you can make your motor a 25inch if you choose to raise your new transom.

Basspond · #4 06-28-2010, 12:11 PM

Quote:

With a few more $100 bills you can make your motor a 25inch if you choose to raise your new transom.

I think pretty much everyone would recommend doing this as well. If you are going to go through the work of replacing the transom, make sure to raise it 5". I don't want to know what mine would be like without it raised

mitchman · #5 06-29-2010, 12:50 AM

Quote:

With a few more $100 bills you can make your motor a 25inch if you choose to raise your new transom.

Fellow-ship, love my boat and $1000 to rebuild transom is livable. The bigger problem is finding a place to do this and remove my motor. The other issue I once I take the transom off, I know im goina wanna redo the rear seats of the boat, then move the console forward and put a bigger tank in the floor, and redo the deck.

Hermit, I would LOVE to raise my transom, its too low and the boats stern heavy which means water loves to come in through the splashwell and scupper. Raising the transom would require a new, longer lower unit on my motor, no? Would this be difficult to get for a 98 Mariner?

FELLOW-SHIP · #6 06-29-2010, 11:28 AM

Hi Mitchman:

Well now you are talking about a total re do of the boat. That’s a lot more time, more money, and lot’s of beer to sooth the pain.
If your deck does not have soft spots I would first do the transom raise it up to 25”, do the motor and after you got that done ask your self should I go on or should I go fishing and target the deck at another time when I have a better place to work out of.

As for a location to do the work I did my boat on my driveway during the weekends and put it up each night. All you really need if a field, yard or driveway you could even use a generator for electric in a pinch or a air compressor with air tools.
I worked for approx 6 hrs a day I found out that that’s all the FUN I could handle in any one day. Beer helped a lot to keep my morale up.

FellowShip

………………………….

Just for the Grins

Official 23’ SF Antique Classic SeaCraft Owner

newellchunker · #7 06-29-2010, 02:22 PM

mitchman......I'm probably like everyone else on here....where do you live....there's probably someone close that can help u remove the engine and drink beer with u! I've got an engine hoist (cherry picker) that can be borrowed for the removal if you are anywhere close by??
Have you thought about replacing the transom and adding an engine bracket......Hermco, Gil or something along those lines? You could probably get a 'lil money outta your Mariner and find a decent 25" shaft motor for the same money or close to it? Good Luck

Bushwacker · #8 06-29-2010, 04:20 PM

Quote:

. . . Raising the transom would require a new, longer lower unit on my motor, no?

In a word, NO! Just get an extension kit. PM Fred Held, who did it on his 130 Merc V-6 a couple years ago. If you can change a water pump, you should be able to install an installation kit.

workinpr0gress · #9 06-29-2010, 08:36 PM

Quote:

If you can change a water pump, you should be able to install an installation kit.

Sounds like an advertisement, lol. Accurate too. Well put.

mitchman · #10 06-30-2010, 01:16 AM

Quote:

. . . Raising the transom would require a new, longer lower unit on my motor, no?

In a word, NO! Just get an extension kit. PM Fred Held, who did it on his 130 Merc V-6 a couple years ago. If you can change a water pump, you should be able to install an installation kit.

Good to hear. I never changed a water pump, but its about time I did! I will have to shoot him a PM. My deck is good, Im just worried what removing the transom may uncover....

Bracket would be nice, but don't want to spend the coin on one.