Thread: Replacing transom Lowe Jon boat

If you have one, check for leads around bilge pump and hose and if you have one check livewell pump,connections and hoses. More likely something like that letting in that much water.

Originally Posted by cray

If you have one, check for leads around bilge pump and hose and if you have one check livewell pump,connections and hoses. More likely something like that letting in that much water.

Yeah, that what I was thinking as well at first but after inspection they are fine. I filled the livewell with water and plugged the drain on that and it's not leaking. I'm thinking that it may be when water goes over the transom there is a gap between the transom cap and the splash basin and since the transom is wet or rotten maybe water is running into the boat. I'm going to temporarily caulk that joint and see if this stops the massive water leak. I think a new transom may be in my future?

I suggest you join the Tin Boats Forum. There is a wealth of knowledge there on aluminum boats.

www.tinboats.net

Originally Posted by Clint

I suggest you join the Tin Boats Forum. There is a wealth of knowledge there on aluminum boats.

www.tinboats.net

Thanks Clint- I'll give that a try.

Before you decide that you want to go the transom route, decide if that's your boat or someone else's that you just happen to own right now. I put one in my glass boat and gave up $2500 for it. Yes, it was high and a big pill to swallow, but for that boat, in the condition it was in, it was worth every penny and I would do it again. If I didn't tell you it had been done, you couldn't tell. Point is; it's not a small undertaking. I'm sure you already knew that. If you like the boat then I would go for it. Lots of info to research if you choose to go that road. There's folks on Tinboats that have done some really involved restorations that look great, you can learn anything you don't already know. Keep us posted as it goes along, we all learn something from it.

Originally Posted by skeetbum

Before you decide that you want to go the transom route, decide if that's your boat or someone else's that you just happen to own right now. I put one in my glass boat and gave up $2500 for it. Yes, it was high and a big pill to swallow, but for that boat, in the condition it was in, it was worth every penny and I would do it again. If I didn't tell you it had been done, you couldn't tell. Point is; it's not a small undertaking. I'm sure you already knew that. If you like the boat then I would go for it. Lots of info to research if you choose to go that road. There's folks on Tinboats that have done some really involved restorations that look great, you can learn anything you don't already know. Keep us posted as it goes along, we all learn something from it.

It's been a good boat to me and I think it's worth fixing. Just seems a little overwhelming so if I do decide to do it I will document the project for everyone to see. Thanks

Have you tried leaving you boat strapped down and having someone Slowly(stopping at times) back in in and you watching to see if you can see water leaking in. Just a thought

I have a 1983 Lowes and had to replace the transom. The problem was the plywood in the transom was rotted out, I mean it was mushy. This caused the bottom of the motor mount to push against the thin aluminum and cause cracks around the mount. I used a car engine hoist to remove the 40hp motor then a Dremel tool to remove the aluminum top piece just under the motor between the braces. I used chisels and various pry bars to chip away the rotted plywood, there two pieces back to back. One piece was 1" thick the other was 1/2" I think. I forget what wood I went back in with but later someone said I should have used composite decking which is true sizes. Repaired cracks with JB weld and placed a piece of aluminum tread plate for motor to push against. On top I had a piece of angle welded to a plate to cover the piece I cut out and provide something for the motor clamps to push against. Take your time and try to think it all out. I must have done OK because I have hit some rocks that I thought would have knocked the motor off but it's still there and and after many hours on the water no leaks. Good luck!