Switzercraft SS170 transom rebuild

**Robby321** · 03-12-2017, 10:21 PM

Originally Posted by outasite

Just me,but I don't like fuel in the front because the weight is always changing.She may fly great,then two hours later hard to hold down.

Yep..agree..

**FMP** · 03-12-2017, 10:41 PM

I think you're describing something like I have seen on Challengers SuperBoats

**outasite** · 03-13-2017, 07:01 AM

Well the problem may be solved.After a three beer examination of the top deck last night Im sure that the failure (other than water intrusion into the plywood) was due to a simple mistake when the boat was built,splashwell not bonded to the transom. The splashwell measures a full one inch thick!!! And that is also why it is so wide and deep.After studying angles and how all the pulling and pushing going on back there works it becomes clear where most of the strength comes from.Its in the design,building high output boats was nothing new for the Switzer boys.After designing and building the Switzer wing in less than two weeks,Ya gotta know something about building boats.It would be interesting to know weather mine just got missed, or if over time that critical step just got forgot about on the assembly line.Will post some pictures tomorrow.

**nitro_rat** · 03-13-2017, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by outasite

It would be interesting to know weather mine just got missed, or if over time that critical step just got forgot about on the assembly line.

Maybe just a Monday or Friday boat!

**FMP** · 03-13-2017, 09:04 AM

One inch thick well. Tough

**outasite** · 03-13-2017, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by FMP

One inch thick well. Tough

It's 3/4 plywood sandwiched between thick glass

**tunnels** · 03-13-2017, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by FMP

One inch thick well. Tough

"Not tough just plain stupid

THATS A VERY POPULAR MISCONCEPTION thinking thick glass is tough !!
So many times thick laminates have snapped and broken just like a carrot ! When a replacement part of less than 1/3 or even a 1/4 the thickness for the same product is still in service many years later !!
Its a trap most non thinking laminators and glassing people get caught in because they don't fully understand first what the part is being used for and second the capabilities of the materials they have at there disposal that can be used that are way stronger at fraction of the weight !!

**outasite** · 03-13-2017, 07:30 PM

I will assure you the Switzer brothers were not "stupid"as boat builders. Forty one years ago the materials that you speak of were only dreams.Im not reinventing the wheel,just repairing an old boat with the materials and process that I am familiar with.Im confident this transom will be well,for many years to come.

**FMP** · 03-13-2017, 07:44 PM

Maybe just plain jealous.

**FMP** · 03-13-2017, 07:46 PM

So you're going to tie it though the well from the top to the cross member or?

**Robby321** · 03-13-2017, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by outasite

I will assure you the Switzer brothers were not "stupid"as boat builders. Forty one years ago the materials that you speak of were only dreams.Im not reinventing the wheel,just repairing an old boat with the materials and process that I am familiar with.Im confident this transom will be well,for many years to come.

AGREE! EXACTLY! Have to think "tunnels"..(don't know yer age) that them were the muscle cars years innovation, AND the MOST OB power was a XS1500 Merc. Then the V6's came into play, and a revising hull for for strength. I know Bobby, as Dave (designer the boat), and far from stupid them, but innovators.."the new stuff coming", unknown then.

Anyway Bob a question? How was the deck bonded too the hull? Seems came off easy. And the splash well deck. Was/is there a "lip" over the transom that was not sealed (silly cone?) but had a good hold, the transom for strength? Curious that. Also see one pic the "left foot"..so if OK you, just keep it. Great job the old Swit work, and THANKS the many questions you have answered! Wish the best

**W2F a V-King** · 03-13-2017, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by outasite

Just me,but I don't like fuel in the front because the weight is always changing.She may fly great,then two hours later hard to hold down.

Agreed, and not only changing from consumption, but side to side if not baffled properly. Had 2 boats that way...never again. For me if I need weight up front, it will be solid and consistent.

Looking really solid!!

**outasite** · 03-13-2017, 09:16 PM

Robby,the cap was riveted to the hull with 200 3/16 rivets.The only "sealer" was a double layer of rubber tape between them.There was a gap between the top of the transom and the top cap 1/4" on left and 5/8 on the right side this was mostly filled with clear silicon.You probably remember every time you come off plane the splash well takes a drink,so any leaks back there is a no no.Ive built the new one taller so the cap will bond and seal to the top lip and face of the splash well

**Robby321** · 03-13-2017, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by outasite

Robby,the cap was riveted to the hull with 200 3/16 rivets.The only "sealer" was a double layer of rubber tape between them.There was a gap between the top of the transom and the top cap 1/4" on left and 5/8 on the right side this was mostly filled with clear silicon.You probably remember every time you come off plane the splash well takes a drink,so any leaks back there is a no no.Ive built the new one taller so the cap will bond and seal to the top lip and face of the splash well

Thanks that! Great idea, and great work/think!

**outasite** · 03-14-2017, 08:22 PM

Taking a while to get everything fitting the way I want.Heres a couple pics of the splash well.The design is kinda like a upside down pair of knees.Tomorrow should get the foot throttle moved.