question on aluminum transom trim ?

oldbluesplayer · #1 08-23-2005, 12:39 PM

I'm at the point of closing up my transom rebuild project, and have pretty well reinforced the transom top edge with multiple layers of glass. The new transom is sealed, there is no joint between top edge and rear face of the transom.

The original aluminum transom trim was in three pieces, sides and bottom, and was fairly heavy - about 3/16" thick material, and came off cleanly, and could readliy be re-installed -

Looking at other's projects, I see many where it looks like the transom trim was left off -

Discussion ? Purpose ? Value ?

Appreciate any input.

Thanks

Bill

cSickNick · #2 08-23-2005, 02:30 PM

Well here is some input ...

I never liked that Al trim. When i redid the transom, looks like the top screws were leaching in water over the years that let to rot. Maint of rebedding screws each year would have helped but who wants more maint?

I capped mine with SS, here is a few dated pics;

Good luck - Nick

oldbluesplayer · #3 08-24-2005, 01:39 PM

bottom line is you elected to put something metal over the glass - kind of what I was thinking, but then wondered, as it looks like many chose not too.

I like your tower - how much did that effect the handling, if any ? any tendancy to act like a sail in a cross breeze ? any noticeble top heaviness ?

what motor is that ? Optimax 135 or 150 ? how does she run ?

thanks again

Bill

hermco · #4 08-24-2005, 07:33 PM

The trim was there so the MFG did not have to glass and finish out the seam where the inner liner meets the transom. The less holes you put in the transom to allow water intrusion the better. So I would leave the trim off if you have the seam glassed and finished. Just my two cents! [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

cSickNick · #5 08-25-2005, 02:25 PM

Hi Bill,

Looks like Hermco answered you question! [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

A friend did my SS work for some beers, so it was cheap for me and i like the look and added strength ... but not needed.

I am sure the top does some sailing, but it is all tradeoffs. I was tired of taking waves to the face over the low rake winshield.

I also loaded up with dual electronics so a hard top was the way to go to mount all my stuff.

I really like it, prior to the top it was a 20' boat, now it is a 20' mini battleship! The recent get together at the Newport Jass fest was the latest test! Rock&Roll(with guys chumming [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]) ... but nice and dry!

The motor is a Suzuki DF140 four stroke that runs like a top and sips fuel .... pretty important these days [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

- Nick

oldbluesplayer · #6 08-26-2005, 11:33 AM

Don / Nick -

I had sort of guessed that the trim was: a) hide the seam, and b)protection for the glass...

sort of a left over from surfing days, edge dings were the most common damage to boards, and a constant source of repair work

so I've elected to put the bottom trim plate on, and leave the sides off. Bedded thoroughly.

thanks !!

Bill

gaulois · #7 08-26-2005, 04:27 PM

Hey Nick
I probably will decide to repower the 20 seafari I bought with a 4strk. I like your engine. Would you mind giving me a ballpark figure of the cost? I would be replacing a "two thirsty five" so the gas sipping sounds appealing. Is the 130 enough? I dont care about speed, Im thinking 25 to 30 would be ok.