What can I do to reinforce my transom?

Question

I have an 1986 Bayliner cuddy (notorious for soft transoms) with a 125 Force O/B, all in great condition, except for some weakness in the transom.

It flexes a bit if I put my weight on the lower end of the motor

Is there anyway to reinforce this, short of a costly transom rebuild?

Does anyone make or sell aluminum or steel plates?

Thanks,

Joe

Answer 1

You can pull the motor off ant then reinforce the transom with some 3/4 inch marine plywood, a couple of layers thru bolted and glued together should do a good job. then reinstall the engine.

Answer 2

http://www.mcmaster.com/

Searech for "Aluminum Plates"

Answer 3

If it flexs than it to far gone for a plate> Repair the tramsom first>

Answer 4

IF YOU WANT TO DO IT YOURSELF USE MARINE PLYWOOD AND FIBERGLASS OR YOU CAN BUY ONE FROM AN OUTBOARD MOTOR DEALER

Answer 5

If you don't want to replace the transom I would remove the engine. Then take the boat to a local metal fabrication shop. Have them make an aluminum plate to cover the transom on the outside. 3/8" will work well. Have them also make a plate that goes on the inside where the transom bolts come through. The bottom set of bolts is under the splash well. Have them make a plate as large as possible for the bottom set. For the top set ( the ones you can see) have them make a plate that will span the top set, or when they make the back plate have it also cover the top sill of the transom and come down into the splash well and then bolt the engine back on. This will provide the support needed for a few more years of run time. Remember to seal the bolts going through the transom to prevent future damage.