1973 20' CC Transom woes - Page 2

pianewman · #11 07-20-2011, 10:49 AM

The plot thickens.
I just found out that this boat had a breach in the hull, on the keel, at the bow, right where the hull cuts into the water. It appears that someone may have run it into a solid object, and then did a quick and dirty repair, painting over it. My dad bought the boat w/o seeing this repair.
So, one year ago, he opened up the place, dug out a good bit of wet wood (on the keel), filled it with fiberglas fabric and resin, and painted over it.

QUESTION: How can we know how much damaged wood is in the keel w/o opening it up, and (properly this time) grinding it until dry wood is found? As this potential problem is 15-16 feet from the transom, how can we know how extensive this rotted wood is?

Impossible question, I presume, but curious if the experienced folk here would consider this new issue to be a "deal breaker" for the transom rebuild, as there may be more structural damage to worry about.

FYI: boat was "re-decked" by a previous owner, and floor appears to be very solid.

I might as well ask, since I have your attention...how high is up?
Thanks again for input. I'm learning a lot here, very quickly, and so far, haven't needlessly spent $$$. Yeah, I know, it's only a matter of time...

Tiny · #12 07-20-2011, 08:48 PM

I've seen several where, from over many years of impacting the trailer when loading or beaching the boat the keel is worn straight through to the keelson (the wood). Likely if this is the case, all the wood is rotten, not really a big deal as there is heavy glass over it. The repair is a pretty easy one, grind back (from the outside) to good glass, and re-glass.

Be sure to check in front and behind your trouble areas...for other thin areas.

pianewman · #13 07-21-2011, 02:39 PM

Dealing with my 88-year-old dad is stressful, to say the least.

He has decided to have the transom rebuilt in the Bradenton/Sarasota/Ft Myers region, as he wants to be closer to the work being done. In addition, he has decided that $3800 is just too much to put into a 38-year-old boat with an unknown history, and that he can have it done for less in FL.

So, now the question: Any recommendations for a reliable transom rebuilder on the west coast of FL?

Thanks for all the valuable feedback. We're learning as we go, and appreciate all the input here.

seacraftks · #14 07-22-2011, 09:15 AM

Good luck and take some pics dont let them put wood back in or your back where you started

Blue197320 · #15 07-22-2011, 10:17 AM

i have heard a few good things about these guys. may want to check them out. link

Ryan · #16 07-22-2011, 11:47 PM

Yeah boathaus, those guys are good.

pianewman · #17 07-23-2011, 12:37 AM

Now I'm getting annoying...but...anyone there in particular that might be partial to Seacrafts?
Thanks. I'll have my brother drive by and check them out.

Wildman · #18 07-25-2011, 09:04 AM

www.hermco.net has put more than a few transoms in Seacraft boats, along with brackets. Hes a mod on here too. He is hike away from you though.

Jaybo · #19 07-29-2011, 02:14 PM

Yes, Hermco is doing my '75 23 cc right now. He has some pics of it on his website under current project.

pianewman · #20 07-30-2011, 12:01 PM

I've found a shop in the VA. Bch area (Coastal Fiberglass) to replace the transom, for much less than FL, and I can keep the boat closer to me. (I may not give it back to my 88-year-old dad, for many reasons, some of then quite selfish!) The repair person and I were examining the boat yesterday, and he commented that "No dealer should have hung that motor on there w/o checking the transom. It's in terrible shape", as he tapped and demonstrated that most of it sounded hollow, and showed me how much it all flexed when weight is applied to the motor. He was as disgusted as we are. Curiously, he was able to name the dealer (brand) shop that did it, although his experience with the brand was in the Va Bch area, not Bradenton.

So, while looking at the mounting, he questioned the height of the cavitation plate. Remember, this is a 1973, 20' CC, 450+lb., 150hp Mercury 2-stroke motor. Currently, the cav plate is almost 1" higher than the keel. Is this correct? The transom bracket (the part that LOOKS like it should hang on the cut-out)is about 3 inches higher than the cut-out, and the transom (which must have been replaced) is 25".

Thanks for input. He wants to know where WE want the engine mounted. He has his ideas, but wants our input.