Core Sampling

[BonBini]

After reading too many threads on transom rot, I am now a little curious on the condition of my 20+ year old that has spend a lota time sitting in a slip before I got her.

I'am a 25 yr veteran heavy equiptment tech who has desighned and built his own house. Never done any boat hull or fiberglass work but have always been a quick study at things.

I have a couple questions I hope some of you can help me with; When the wood stringers become wet, expand ..., is that where alot of surface seperation and cracking in the bilge area would be seen? If I wanted to perform a core sample of my transom and stringers where would be a good location and what procedure would you use to sample and repair the sample hole? Are the stringers and transom physicaly conected by wood as to where they could wick water from each other? thanks ...Ron

 

[lime4x4]

Yes the transom and stringers are touching each other. So u could have a wet transom that would allow the stringers to absorb water. Must people take a drill and drill into the transom (usually at the bottom near the drive cutout) and work your way up every 12 inches or so. If the wood comes out wet then u know u have a problem. Must people just plug the hole then with epoxy mixed with a litle glass (filler). And u don't drill all the way thru. usually 3/4 of an inch will do. Delamination of the glass can occur when water gets under the fiberglass or when the wood rots away totaly.

 

[BonBini]

Thanks lime4x4. Your current project scares the hel outa me. It is very good info especially for one looking into buying an older boat. We should all thank you for your pain and God speed to getting her back in the water soon.

I assume your talking of drilling transom core holes from the inside of the engine bilge? Does the wood transom go as far down to the drain plug?

I was just out back looking over my bilge and I was glad to see no visual problems with the glass ...Ron

 

[lime4x4]

no problem. On mine my wood stops just above the bilge plug. And drill from the inside. Honestly getting out the old wood and foam was the easy part. Going back together it's going to take time. ALOT of time...lol. Every peice of wood that's going back in her will be have atleast 3 coats of epoxy. She ain't never going to rot out again..lol. Plus i have 5 months to get her ready for the water again.