Wood Transom Repair

Have a 1956 Peterborough cedar strip.

Its been in the garage for a year and dried out.

It is ready to be varnished.

The transom is made of 3 joined boards.

The joints overlap the boards.

In a couple of places, there is a small 1/8 inch crack in the joint.

Do I need to caulk or glue this joint before varnishing.

Comments for Wood Transom Repair

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Apr 08, 2015
 Thanks for Comments
by: Randy

Thanks for both comments...

Here is what I decided to do with the 1956 Peterborough 14 ft cedar strip.

Upon further investigation, it looks like both joints in the transom are separating.

The bottom of the boat and the outside of the transom was fiber-glassed about 15 years ago.

Both are in great shape, but the transom should not have been fiber glassed.

So... I will grind down the edges of the fiberglassed transom, then use a heat gun to lift off the fiberglass.

Sand down the transom and clean the cracks.

I will then fill it with Sikaflex (mahogany tinted)$30 Canadian.

This is a multi-purpose marine adhesive that will flex as the transom gets wet and swells.

This will be followed by at least 5 coats of varnish... more if the ice remains on the river and I have the time.

Thanks again.
Apr 05, 2015
 Cracks
by: Bill

If the cracks are only minor and due to drying out they probably will close up again when the boat gets wet.

If it were me, I'd do the varnishing as she is.

Then prior to launching use something like 'Slick Seam' on the cracks.



Apr 05, 2015
 Best strongest way to fill gaps in wood
by: Captain Hugo

My advice for your transom gaps:

Mix high strength 2 part epoxy marine glue - like Epiglue - (we use Kosan in Malaysia) with hardwood riddled sawdust.

Ratio - until it is a bit thick. Make sure cavity is well cleaned and fill in and press even.

Next day sand it smooth and proceed to paint.

Depending on the colour of the sawdust, it will also blend into the surrounding natural colours of the original wood.

Cheers!
Hugo
www.hallelujahyachtcruises.com
www.apolloduck.net/307731

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