Posted by JimM on July 07, 19103 at 07:29:21:
In Reply to: Wet transom wood posted by Blade Runner on July 02, 19103 at 11:13:36:
Wood transoms are a problem, and very few fiberglass boats use anything BUT plywood transoms. Eventually, the wood will rot and weaken the transom to the point it won't carry an engine safely anymore. It's not unusual for it to be wet, in fact it's very common. Water finds it's way in through the slightest cracks, and even seeps through the skin. Then it can't get out and soaks the plywood.
Here's how to fix it. Drill several small holes - maybe you can do it from inside to avoid damaging the finish. Apply heat to dry it out, maybe with a portable heater. Don't get it so hot it softens the skin - just enough to help drive the moisture out. My guess is it would take several days (and a significant cost in kilowatts-hours). You can test it by drilling new holes and see if the shavings are still wet.
Then inject CPES or thinned epoxy into the upper holes. When it starts dripping out the bottom holes, plug them. Inject CPES until it won't take any more. Give it several days to evaporate off the volatiles (maybe much more in that closed in space). Repair the holes.
BTW, when you make through-hulls, you should seal them with 5200 adhesive rather than epoxy. It will never leak.
Resources:
http://www.rotdoctor.com/ - lots of good info and inflated prices on CPES.
http://www.smithandcompany.org/ - manufacturer and direct supplier of CPES. Also has lots of literature.
http://www.epoxyproducts.com/penetrating4u.html - make your own CPES.
http://www.transomrepair.com/ - offers an alternative to plywood transoms. Kinda pricey and some question its strength, but it's a permanent repair & will outlast the boat if it doesn't break. I'm interested, might put an aluminum beam behind for more strength.
Good luck!