transom protector for outboard mounting wood runabout

#Transom protector for outboard mounting wood runabout professional#

The basic theory we will cover applies to other thicknesses of plywood too. To keep things even simpler, we will concentrate on ¾” plywood, which of course is not ¾” thick. To keep things simple, we are going to focus on the plywood you’re most likely to find at your local home improvement store. in plywood, between wood types, grades, and treatments. I would first like to clarify a few things. We often get calls asking about using pressure-treated plywood, or exterior grade plywood instead of marine grade. It’s understandable when a boat owner doesn’t want to use something that will rot again. The tricky part is getting the right material to replace the old plywood. Replacing most plywood parts on a boat is not too difficult and can save a lot of money in hired labor costs. There are not many appropriate materials that match the strength of plywood. When they look into getting non-plywood replacements, many boat owners find the cost a bit on the high side and this pushes them into a more cost-effective DIY project. But if we double the caulk’s life, at 20+ years, we are still well beyond the usable life of caulk… you wouldn’t think of running the same oil for over 20 years.

Some marine caulks are better than others and the quality of installation plays a part also. On average, I think that sounds about right. Is it surprising when the wood fails?Ī surveyor friend of mine stated that marine caulk has a serviceable life of eight years. Never remounting and sealing any of the factory hardware, like trim tabs or swim platforms. The transom that you drilled holes into to mount transducers and such, and used caulk to fill the old holes and bed the new screws. I can’t believe they use plywood in a boat! I’m going to put in something that lasts forever.Īfter yearly maintenance on everything else, the transom somehow has water damage. I’ve heard this statement from customers so many times over the years that I lost count: I waxed, tuned-up, and changed the fluids every year. I’ve seen well-maintained, 20-some-year-old boats that look almost new, but have a rotted transom. That’s not to say the first thing to rot couldn’t be the cockpit floor, stringers, or motor mounts. In my experience, the transom is the first area to rot out in most trailerable boats. It doesn’t surprise me when a boat’s plywood components fail due to water intrusion. Start building now and be ready for next season.Why pressure-treated plywood is a poor choice By Terry Monville - GBI Technical AdvisorĪ very high percentage of boats in the U.S. She's a classic dreamboat that you can have for a non-classic price. The un-conventional BONANZA will stand out from the crowd. Add a mahogany deck and plush seating and start cruising your local aquatic boulevard. The reliable straight shaft inboard can be any automotive conversion, with great performance possible using a readily available small block Chevy.įor those who want something more conventional, the plans detail a straight transom.

#Transom protector for outboard mounting wood runabout professional#

The motor is mounted in the center the type of installation preferred by professional skiers. Sides are applied in sheets of 1/4' plywood. Her shapely bottom is formed using double diagonal (cold molding) plywood in which two layers of 1/4' plywood are applied in strips. The hull design incorporates the easy riding bulbous forefoot and reverse wave-dampening curve along the chine that we use on many of our large, high speed cruising yachts. The distinctive styling of BONANZA's clipper bow and raked transom may remind you of the mahogany runabouts of the 50's.