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Name:	houseboat -	Reply
Subject:	Foam Filled Transom
Date:	8/23/2010 11:15:14 AM

I have a job to replace the wood in the transom in a 14 ft. Aluminum jon boat for a customer. Due to the surrounding framework permanently attached to the boat, I am considering using high density closed cell foam instead of wood. Has anyone ever done this? If so, any comments would be appreciated. Also, the most rewarding part of being in the boat repair business has been the opportunity to meet and get to know the people I have done work for even when I have been late getting the job done.

Name:	Osms -	Reply
Subject:	Foam Filled Transom
Date:	8/23/2010 11:57:28 AM

Isn't the wood put in the transom of small aluminum boats to accommodate the clamps on small motors, and prevent the collapse of the aluminum on front and back. I don't think high density foam is structural enough for that purpose. Foam like that is used for filler to build the fiberglass layers in hull substructure by I don't think it's real purpose is structural.

Name:	houseboat -	Reply
Subject:	Foam Filled Transom
Date:	8/23/2010 1:33:24 PM

I have been using 2# foam for floatation but I have never used the 8# or the 16# foam on a job yet. The manufacturer says the 8# is like soft wood and 16# is like a rock. I agree about the clamps possibly squeezing the foam and have considered using wood in that area but where the foam and the wood come together would be a weak point. My other option was using 2 layers of 1/2" marine plywood (6 pieces per layer) with the joints overlapping and all saturated with resin and glassed together.

Name:	Osms -	Reply
Subject:	Foam Filled Transom
Date:	8/23/2010 2:40:19 PM

That'd be plenty strong and wouldn't crush. Is the foam there for floation? I've got a 15' aluminum skiff and the floation is under the two full width seats.

Name:	houseboat -	Reply
Subject:	Foam Filled Transom
Date:	8/23/2010 3:16:01 PM

The transom was originally 1" thick plywood. The 3 seats that go across the boat are all filled with styrofoam down close to the floor for floatation. Thanks for your input. Have you ever used 8# or 16# foam?

Name:	Nancy Christine II -	Reply
Subject:	House boat.
Date:	8/23/2010 8:03:48 PM (updated 8/23/2010 8:08:11 PM)

Looki to this product page and search about it. I swear by it now days.

I have used it a few times on bass boats.... You know how hard some of them are to split and all the crap it takes to do a "Out Side" transom repair...... In fiberglass apps, you un-cap the transom and stick a chainsaw in and rip out all the rotten wood. Then vacuum, Dry, and pore.... It's that 1,2,3,

Sea Cast it showing to last a long time and be for ever. But, only time will tell that. But it is showing to last longer than any ply wood test...... But it's not cheep how ever, it's an investment worth the money of a transom repair to never do it again in my honist opinion.

Has worked for me a few times.

Name:	houseboat -	Reply
Subject:	House boat.
Date:	8/24/2010 11:05:12 AM

Thanks for your input. The 14' boat is aluminum and the aluminum brackets that held the wood in the transom are permanently mounted and will not allow the wood in the transom to be replaced in a single piece. There is an aluminum plate on the inside that goes over the wood (or foam) where a small motor will be clamped on. I think the Sea Cast will be overkill and too expensive on this project. Have you ever used the 8# high density foam on anything? On all fiberglass bass boats that I have done so far, I have removed the cap. I usually have to replace the floor also and I sometimes have to add gussets to tie the transom to the hull and floor to help support the heavy engines. I am reluctant to replace just the transom without replacing the floor area that is attached to it. There may be a case in the future where I may need to pour in a transom but have not so far. Thanks again. Houseboat

Name:	Kizma Anuice -	Reply
Subject:	House boat.
Date:	8/24/2010 8:22:07 PM

how much does something like that cost? isn't it more than the boat is worth?

Name:	houseboat -	Reply
Subject:	cost
Date:	8/25/2010 8:44:47 AM

Yes, most of the time the repair is about what the boat is worth less engine. Most of the boats are around 20 years old but after rebuilding them they should last another 20. To some it is a waste of money to rebuild them and to others it is the best thing to do when you consider the fact that you like the boat and find out the price of a new one. A lot depends on the engine you have. If you are serious about the cost you can go to www.lakejordan.info and click on Cole Boatworks. My number is on the site. Thanks, Houseboat

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