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Switching outboards weaken transom?

K

Komoka Jo

New member
Have a 1991 bayliner capri 175 that had a 1991 90 HP Force on it. Force blue up and I replaced it with a used 1995 Evirude 90. Evinrude blew a cyllinder. Now looking at a 2005 90 HP Mercury ELPTO to replace the evinrude and I am concerned that another new set of bolt holes will weaken the strength of the transom. Should I be concerned?
 
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Make a puddy out of sawdust and 15 min. set epoxy to fill the old holes. Clean the old holes w/acetone first. Hold a puddy knife on one side of the hole while you stuff the other side. Finnish the filling w/some marine bondo for a clean look. Paint them if you wish.
 
If you are concerned about structural strength of the transom, you could reinforce it with a piece of aluminum diamond plate about 1/4 " thick. (Buy from McMaster.com)

That would put your mind at ease.

Jeff
 
Fiberglass resin and hardwood dowls.
Check the wood for moisture.
Then fit the dowls for length.
Resin and dowls, put resin in the hole and then coat the dowls try to put in as much resin as possible.
Then using packing tape or duct tape. Tape over the holes.
It will actually dry better covered.
 
Jerryjerry05, fastjeff, racerone, guyjg, kimcrbr1,
Thanks for replies and the advice. Will carry on with new motor installation.
Komoka JO
 
I always coat any new or old holes being reused w/5 min. epoxy to seal the wood to keep moisture out. Good luck.
 
You're missing the point, for Komoka's concern is valid: One can't continue drilling holes in a transom before it gets weakened. And epoxying holes shut--to keep water out--will not correct this! Adding an aluminum plate to stiffen it will, however.


Jeff
 
Right. The work boat at my marina--a 20 footer with a 115 hp OB--has a really rotten transom. It's been reinforced with aluminum plate (butt ugly job!) but continues to hold up.

Jeff
 
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