Reply With QuoteSo you just cleared out all the rotten plywood and poured in the epoxy? Doesn't seem very easy but pretty straight forward. How'd you clear out the old plywood?
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96 Nitro Transom Repair
Hey everyone, greetings from Lake Barkley in KY. I don't post here much, but I try to read the forums everyday. I had a little off season project. I thought I might share with you guys. I haven't fished as much as I liked in almost... I don't know how many years. After a couple of heart surgeries my wife told me to get a hobby. So she ask for it and she got it. This is a 96 Nitro 180 tf with a1985 Mercury 150. When I bought the boat the transom had been cracked and the motor was sold. I work a lot slower now so it took me longer than most guys but it's done, and has been fishing twice now. No leaking and transom is solid as a rock. Fun little boat for myself, father, and the grandson. By the way I went with Arjay 6011 transom compound instead of carbon core or seacast (mainly they had a sale going on). I'm not affiliated with them, but I will say I love their product. I really don't know of any tips other than have a friend help when pouring. Also I didn't get pictures of the pour because like an idiot, I decided to do it by myself. The first photos are before and progress until the finish. Just an fyi I'm not a fiberglass man as you can tell. Thanks for looking and thanks for all the info I get from you all. If you decide on a project like this just reach out. I don't know how much help I'll be, but I don't mind answering anything that might help you. Tight lines to you guys Donny
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So you just cleared out all the rotten plywood and poured in the epoxy? Doesn't seem very easy but pretty straight forward. How'd you clear out the old plywood?
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I think the bolts were loose for quite a while because the plywood inside was like wet paper bag, which made a lot of the clean out easier. I used a shop vac and a chisel to dig the little bit of good wood out. Not an easy job, but a lot cheaper than replacing with wood. The fiberglass call was tough to cut I used an air cut off tool. Really like you said not easy but straight forward and simple. I used an epoxy adhesive to put the cap back on. This stuff is ceramic and carbon based with a catalyst to kick off the hardening reaction. The clean out wasn't easy and a slow process. I saw guys on the internet using chainsaws, but I wasn't that brave. One nice thing is this stuff sticks to the glass and keeps water out, also is self filling and leveling to help with air pockets.
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Never saw anything like this done before. Looks like a great way to extend the life of the boat.
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I'm hoping.Sent from my HD1925 using Crappie.com Fishing mobile appOriginally Posted by kycreek
Slabmaster
I redid my transom with Arjay over 10 yrs ago. Very please with the product....I did use a chainsaw btw
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Couple years ago I followed a couple of transom rebuild threads on BassBoatCentral. That clean out is one tough job but seems to be the most important step to doing a successful rebuild. They used a couple of different products to fill the gap which all seemed to work well. Kinda makes you wonder why they don’t do it that way at factory.
Good job on your rebuild, you should have a boat that will last forever now.
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[QUOTE=DWILL;4126856] I'm not a fiberglass man ]
Hi,
Just curious as to how you repaired the damage to the external transom skin. Did you use the Arjay to seal the cracks and then gel coat, or did you reglass the skin from the inside before pouring?
Thanks!
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I actually used used an epoxy and hardener to seal it for the pour. Once poured the compound sealed everything including the crack in the glass. I did used a long bolt and nut to pull the crack out to make it even with the rest of the transom. I wasn't worried about the looks because it is covered by the jackplate. I really can't say enough about how solid it is. I don't run fast, but here on KY and Lake Barkley I have been in rough water with no structural problems. Back to your question though I didn't reglass it I just made sure it was sealed and covered the bad looking finish up.
Hi,
Just curious as to how you repaired the damage to the external transom skin. Did you use the Arjay to seal the cracks and then gel coat, or did you reglass the skin from the inside before pouring?
Thanks![/QUOTE]
