Fabricating boat transom

[MasonK4567]

Hello guys, I’m new here. I’ve got a 15’ by 48” “Jon boat”. Unfortunately, it’s been around the block and the previous owner put a motor on the back exceeding the recommended weight. I got the boat very cheap, and could honestly sell the motor etc. to make some money yet I really wanted to use this boat as a rig to practice my aluminum welding on. Anyways, because of this motor, the aluminum transom is sagging bad. The wood in the transom is gone which I know I can replace, yet I’d honestly be scared to cut the back of the boat out and weld a new transom in and trust it fully. But, I was curious as to how much something like this costs at a pro shop. I understand boats are not cheap, yet if It would cost me a ton to get it done I don’t think I’d be willing to do it and just part the boat out. Also, I’ve seen online a website called tb nation sells prewelded transoms ‘plates’ for about 500$. If getting my transom welded would cost more than this, does anyone think I could just remove the old wood, and on the inside weld the new all aluminum transom to the boat leaving the “sagging” outside layer? If you guys had any idea of a cost or I method let me know.

 

[skipjack mike]

Removing the wood is no problem and replacing it my be easier then you think. The wood looks like it suffers from dryrot. A fungus caused from rain and other fresh water sources. Salt water kills dry rot be don't do that. use common exterior plywood and paint it or seal it for protection. I would use epoxy resin but it's pricey. Regular resin works also don't spend a bunch. I would also ad more plywood to the center of the transom and then put an aluminum plate over the effected area inside and out and through bolt
and it should be fine.
Main thing about boats structure is strength. No structure and it will flex itself apart.

P.S. replacing wood in a transom is the most common repair along with stringer repair. If you need help pm me.

Mike
Skipjack Yachts LLC