transom (Mako)

[Tom]

Back out one of the engine mounting bolts (I assume the engine is still mounted up) and 1) smell the material that comes with it and 2) check for moisture. IF your water impregnation is isolated to the trim tab mounting areas, you can live on borrowed time for a bit.. if there is moisture around the engine bolts, then, you might as well get it over with!

Another test, tilt the engine up, engage the lock/lever. Get the largest, strongest friend you have, and tell him to bounce on the lower unit. Feel around the bolts, and edges of the transom to see any flex (on the inside). If so, then you must replace the transom for sure.