And away we go...

[CHANCE1234]

After getting down to the inner skin in a few places I am amazed how thin it is. It's like a single layer of glass and that's it.

[CHANCE1234]

Finally got down to fiberglass on the starboard side bottom. Tools used so far: skill saw, sawzall, hammer (2)' chisel, and 3/4 inch drill bit and drill. NOT FUN!!!!!

[deerhunter]

i fear my transom is probally the same. but im not geared to cut it open. ha.

[jorgeinmiami]

I have seen a lot of guys use a small electric chain saw to get the hard to reach places. I used one to get under the glass of my deck that was soft worked great!!

[CHANCE1234]

Yeah, I did a lot of research on here before I cut into it and saw that a few guys used chainsaws. I may go that route in a few areas that aren't as wet. The real wet stuff comes out pretty easy for the most part. Gotta have patience is all.

Im still trying to decide if I should cut the top,so i can slide one big piece in or what the best way to go about it is when it comes time. Ill also reinfoforce the inner skin with more glass.

[Islandtrader]

I cut the cap on my replacement and thought that was an easier job then digging out! Now if your boat is not being rehabbed, and the transom not repainted, then digging is the better way.

[Capt Chuck]

Originally Posted by DonV

Ahhhh yes.......brings back memories, however not all fun and pleasant memories, of what my transom looked like. The brown/black goo of waterlogged wood. Looking good!!

I had a shit can full

[DonV]

Yes Sir Capt., the trash man was not real happy with me for a few weeks while I was doing my transom!! That wet wood crap is heavy.

Merry Christmas!

[CHANCE1234]

In the past two days my father in law and I cut the transom out and dug out all the rotten wood around the sides and bottom. Pretty good for two days. We also cut out the aft portion of the cap on both edges so we can hopefully slide the new transom straight down in one piece. Here's a few shot of the father in law in action. Pics suck cause I had to use the iPad. Ill get some better ones later.

[CHANCE1234]

So, do I raise 5 inches and repower with older engine or replace it with the original height and engine or pay the $ for a shaft extension. How much could I get for the 1990 115 merc? Runs great but is off the boat for any tests or compression test. Complete with controls and harness. I'd really like a 25 inch shaft but the most cost effective would be to put everything back as original and finish modifying the splashwell. Decisions decisions.