TOPIC: Transome Rework - 1961 Dorsett - Will It Hold????

trying to do a fix on my 1961 Dorsett, can you please have a look at my video and let me know what you think?
Thanks
Jim

It is always a little questionable leaving existing wood on a rotted transom. Are you sure the wood that was left is not rotted? I know on my Glastron, the wood around the drain in the motor well was rotted. I ended up replacing everything.

I think what you have installed is strong enough for a Mark 55. Additional reinforcing should not be necessary (assuming you are going to put a couple of layers of glass over it and tie it in to the rest of the hull.)

from what i see with the volume off,if it was my boat i would round of all off the corner on the plywood and on top of the transom and glass it up with afew layer of heavy oz fiberglass and fair it smooth then painted it again.i don,t know what that metal rod is but i don,t think you not to use it to bolt the transom onto the motor well.sorry my volume bottom so not working.

I looked at your video & I actually think that you did a pretty nice job. Of course, doing a full replacement will always be best, but this may just buy you some time from having to do that, perhaps as long as you have the boat. Only time will tell if the repair will hold. The big question is - what did the original core look like along the cut-line at the base of the splashwell?

The Mark 55 is only a little fella, I believe about 125 pounds - so that is a big plus. Just to be sure - the top and all exposed faces need to be sealed as best as possible. Use a layer or two of cloth with resin to do that. Forget the metal plate - they do nothing. People always want to use plates all the time - but they add no strength. If you want strength against flex - bolt a section of square steel or aluminum pipe across the inside of the splashwell. The square tubing will act as a very effective spine or stiffener. I have done a this before, using the tie down bolts to attach the square tubing in place. It will add a lot of strength to a failing transom.

Good luck & have fun.