Subject: Transom Problems
Date: Fri, 02 Jun 2000

I emailed you earlier about the ways to repair the transom in my 1987 Sleekcraft Diplomat. Since then, I have talked to two shops that wanted $2,000-3,000 to separate the deck from the hull to get at the transom and replace it. However, both indicated that I probably had 1 or 2 seasons left on the existing transom.

My question is: If I keep this transom another season or two, can I strengthen it by drilling holes in the top and trying to soak the transom with your product? I have seen visible signs of dry rot in the transom from inside the rear of the boat. I can then patch the holes and cover them with the existing trim plate. Your thoughts? I'm a bit tepid about going after the whole thing just yet.

Thanks for your reply,

Dan K.

Dan,

If the wood inside the transom is reasonably dry, you can do it a LOT of good by drilling access holes at the top and injecting our CPES (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer). This will greatly retard any rot process, harden soft wood, and reduce the ability of the wood to absorb moisture. It would be a good and relatively inexpensive solution.

How much long term good it would do depends on what the structure of the deteriorated wood is inside the transom. If it's dry and merely a little punky the CPES will go a long way toward permanently solving the problem. If there are gaps and holes then you may need to follow the CPES with the Layup & Laminating Resin, which is thicker, very slow-setting, and always retains a slight degree of flexibility.

If the wood inside the transom is really wet then none of this will work.

Come on back if you have additional questions.

Doc