If you are a boat owner, you should know how important a transom is for your boat. That is why transom strengthening is important for the proper maintenance of the boat. There are some common questions one would face while dealing with the transom of an aluminum boat.

So, how to reinforce a transom on an aluminum boat?

Well, there are a few steps to follow for reinforcing the transom on an aluminum boat. There is a total of 5 steps you need to abide by for getting the reinforcement done. The steps are- the removal of the frame, setting the transom, fixation in plywood reinforcing, and roughing up the boundaries.

However, if you got a few minutes to spend, you can hop onto the following article. You will get an overall idea about the whole process of reinforcing.

Let’s jump right into the article.

Basic Materials You Would Need to Reinforce

There are a few basic tools you would always need during transom reinforcing. Some of the must-haves are:

• Adhesive Epoxy paste
• Fiberglass Supply Depot Inc. White Gelcoat
• DEWALT 20V MAX XR Palm Sander
• Hurricane 4 Pieces Wood Chisel

Few Essentials for Transom Reinforce

Here are a few products to suggest to you for making your transom reinforcing process smoother.

Product Name	Order Details	Product Picture
TotalBoat Polyester Structural Repair Putty – Marine Grade Long Strand Fiber Fiberglass Reinforced Filler for Boat and Automotive Repair
Swivl-Eze SP-416 Transom Savers – Replacement Toggle For SP-4000
T & H MARINE TSP-1 Transom Support Plate for Top Bolt Holes (3001.8067)

Here, the polyester repair patty will help you obtain strong binding and void blocking. The replacement toggle would make the holes properly.

Finally, The support plate is for holding the plywood sheets tightly. These will ensure perfection in your process.

4 Simplest Steps to Reinforce

There are four simple steps you can abide by to get the final outcome. Let us discuss the steps in the following.

Step 1: Frame Removal

Before start removing the transom, you need to measure its thickness of it. After the measurement, remove the transom with a screwdriver. For the fiberglass core removal, you can use a chisel and hammer.

You can go for the same tools for wood reinforcement. It is important to dust off all the ground wood from the saw. There should be no loose wood on both sides of it.

Align all the ends of the woods together and farmly compress those. Water helps greatly in the removal of the glue. To clean the deck furniture you can use jarks.

If you are done with the steps there should be an entrancing whole. Whole for an empty envelope to finish the reinforcement.

Step 2: Transom Setting

After the removal of all outer elements, it’s time for fiberglass crust. You can remove it using the responding saw from the external of the transom.

To measure the proportion of the void you can take the help of a measuring tape.

You can start by repairing the old transom. You can standardize it as a template to save time and shorten the process. In terms of the sticking agent, you should go for gorilla glue. It works like magic in such cases.

The standard density of the transom should be around 1 and ½ inches to 2 inches. For cutting the sheet of marine plywood, go for the reciprocating saw. It will help acquire the perfect sizes.

Cut for enough sheets so that you can fill the void of the transom.

Step 3: Fixation of Plywood Reinforcing

For filling in the transom void under the fiberglass we will use marine plywood. Use a palm sander to coarse up the ends. Use a double coat of epoxy to both inside and out of the plywood as well as the void. You can use a dye roller to apply it properly.

At the places where the plywood will be installed, apply a thick coat of epoxy. Apply the epoxy coat both at the edges and the lowermost of the hull. The first cut of plywood should be placed against the back of your splash properly.

Make sure there is no extra epoxy dripping out of the edges.

Step 4: Roughing Up the Boundaries & Finishing Up

The edge of the fiberglass needs to be roughened up which was detached with a palm sander. Apply another coat of epoxy over the previous one to fill the void. Before that, you should remove the exterior fiberglass skin.

You can take the help of a wooden screw to combine the fiberglass with the plywood. With the drill machine, make proper holes over plywood.

Again a coat of epoxy needs to apply to the fiberglass skin of the transom.

Put some weightless mist, for sticking to the edges of the woods. To paint the transom use acrylic paint. Also, don’t miss a gel coat when the paint is dry.

Let the get coat set and install it in the void. It will take around 48 hours.

You might face some water leaking from transom holes. That indicates some parts of the transom need to be replaced. If you face such a situation, just follow the process accordingly to reinforce the transom.

Pro Tip to Follow to Reinforce Transom on Boat

You need to keep in mind some terms before starting to reinforce them. Thus you can make sure there will be no external issues once you will start working.

• Make sure the boat is properly cleaned
• Be ready with the correct set of equipment
• Make sure you are aware of all the steps properly
• Be sure of the glue and epoxy quality.

Your boat might have some other issues with the outboard or fuel pump. Get them fixed with proper guidelines.

FAQs

How Long Does a Transom Reinforce Last For?

You might be wondering how long a transom will last. For a regular boat, the transom is usually made of plywood. In typical cases, a transom can last for 20 years. However, it depends on its condition of it and its usage.

Is a Wooden Transom Fixable on the Boat?

If you are thinking about relying on a wooden transom, then you are not alone. Typically the boat transom is made of wooden plywood. They are quite flexible. But with time and use it can get rotten or damaged. Try to handle it with proper maintenance.

How Thick a Boat Transom Should be?

The thickness of a boat transom is a common concern. In terms of thickness, 2 inches are standard for the transom. You should not cross 3 inches for this. Make sure the surface is parallel with the cutout hole on both the top and bottom.

How do I stop my transom from rotting?

The transom is an important part of a boat that supports the weight of the engine and helps keep the boat afloat. Over time, exposure to the elements and water can cause the transom to rot, compromising the structural integrity of the boat. Here are some steps you can take to prevent transom rot:

• Keep the boat dry: When the boat is not in use, store it in a dry, covered area to prevent water from pooling on the transom and causing rot.
• Use a transom saver: Install a transom saver to distribute the weight of the engine and prevent stress on the transom.
• Clean and seal the transom: Clean the transom regularly and apply a marine-grade sealant to the transom to help prevent water from seeping into the wood and causing rot.
• Maintain proper ventilation: Ensure that the boat has proper ventilation to help keep the transom dry and prevent the buildup of moisture that can lead to rot.
• Keep the boat level: Make sure that the boat is level in the water to prevent water from pooling on the transom and causing rot.
• Inspect the transom regularly: Inspect the transom regularly for signs of rot, such as soft spots or discoloration, and repair any damage promptly to prevent further deterioration.

By taking these steps, you can help prevent rot and ensure that your transom remains strong and secure for years to come.

How much does the average transom repair cost?

The cost of a transom repair can vary widely based on several factors, including the extent of the damage, the type of repair required, the materials used, and the location of the repair. On average, the cost of a transom repair can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the specific needs of the repair.

For a minor repair, such as patching small holes or cracks, the cost may be relatively low, around a few hundred dollars. For a more extensive repair, such as replacing a large section of the transom, the cost may be significantly higher, perhaps several thousand dollars.

It is also important to consider the cost of any additional materials or equipment that may be required, such as marine-grade wood, sealant, and tools.

Ultimately, the best way to determine the cost of a transom repair is to consult with a professional boat repair specialist, who can assess the damage and provide an estimate for the repair. This will help you understand the full cost of the repair and make informed decisions about how best to proceed.

Final Words

We hope you got an overall idea about, how to reinforce a transom on an aluminum boat.

One last tip for you, do not take risks with the setup of a time for the whole process. If it doesn’t set properly, it won’t last as expected.

Rapping up for today. Have a safe journey by boat!