Transom inspection

**John800** · 07-20-2017, 06:56 PM

Ok, what do i need to look at to see if the transom is good on a boat i am looking at. Its an 88 procraft 1950v competitor, and visually looks to be in good shape. Any suggestions to figure out if its sea worthy as is?

**Riverratt** · 07-20-2017, 07:44 PM

Trim the motor up and push up and down on the cavitation plate to see if the transom flexes.

**XstreamVking** · 07-20-2017, 07:45 PM

Put the motor in the running position. stand on the cavitation plate and slightly jump up and down. Not like on a trampoline, just slightly. This should not flex the transom or bow the transom top at all. Or, push in the glass where the bottom bolts go thru. Inspect inside the bilge area for any cracks and see what kind of bracing it has. Does it have any screws going into the trans outside? Transducer mount bracket? Speedo bracket? Remove these screws and see if water comes out and look for dark wood or moisture on them. They should have sealer on them before replaced. And you should see sealer on them when removed. Drain plug is another place to check since it is low. On an 1988 I would expect trouble, but sometimes you get a nice surprise. Good luck with it.

**FMP** · 07-20-2017, 08:40 PM

A tap with your knuckle on the outside around the clamps and elsewhere for a hollow sound indicating core/wood/transom from hull separation. Doesn't necessarily mean it's soft , it can separate if it was too dry or uneven pressure during a replacement or new.

**tunnels** · 07-20-2017, 10:44 PM

Originally Posted by FMP

A tap with your knuckle on the outside around the clamps and elsewhere for a hollow sound indicating core/wood/transom from hull separation. Doesn't necessarily mean it's soft , it can separate if it was too dry or uneven pressure during a replacement or new.

what about the floor inside and can you see the stringers ?? does the hull have any core ??need to inspect everywhere there could be any wood for any reason !even fittings attached to the deck !

**One Oldman** · 07-21-2017, 07:48 AM

As 'Tunnels" said, if there is wood there check it and any area that have trapped water. If you find any problems chances are there are problems where you can't see.

**XstreamVking** · 07-21-2017, 11:49 AM

Oh, that's what he said..

**Gmcviper** · 07-21-2017, 12:31 PM

From the inside drill a 1/4" hole near where water intrusion is most likely, collect the shavings and inspect them and in the hole with a flashlight. If all is good fill the hole with epoxy. I've done this with core and transoms.

**One Oldman** · 07-21-2017, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by Gmcviper

From the inside drill a 1/4" hole near where water intrusion is most likely, collect the shavings and inspect them and in the hole with a flashlight. If all is good fill the hole with epoxy. I've done this with core and transoms.

A great way to check but most owners are not going to allow a prospective buyer to drill holes.

**John800** · 07-21-2017, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by One Oldman

A great way to check but most owners are not going to allow a prospective buyer to drill holes.

Buying it from a good freind, he'd probably be ok with it.

**FMP** · 07-21-2017, 02:41 PM

Formerly good friends....lol

**John800** · 07-21-2017, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by fmp

formerly good friends....lol

:d

**tunnels** · 07-21-2017, 09:57 PM

Originally Posted by John800

Buying it from a good freind, he'd probably be ok with it.

How good is the friendship ?? ignorance is bliss !!
Id still do a lot of poking and prodding with a sharp screw driver in low down places !! you really need to have access to see as much as possible under the floor .
The transom is A BIG PART but what's under the floor is something else entirely on its own and just as bigger major if stringers even still exist !!

**John800** · 07-21-2017, 10:47 PM

Originally Posted by tunnels

How good is the friendship ?? ignorance is bliss !!
Id still do a lot of poking and prodding with a sharp screw driver in low down places !! you really need to have access to see as much as possible under the floor .
The transom is A BIG PART but what's under the floor is something else entirely on its own and just as bigger major if stringers even still exist !!

He bought it last spring, i helped him test run it and look it over, the guys had it launched when we got to the lake and had fished that am before we got there, then we drove it around for a bit and he ended up taken ng it home. If my memory servs me correctly some of the stringers were visible through a few of the floor hatches and i was suprised at how solid they were and how the bilge looked bone dry, but i will take a look at it again

**tunnels** · 07-22-2017, 06:06 AM

Originally Posted by john800

he bought it last spring, i helped him test run it and look it over, the guys had it launched when we got to the lake and had fished that am before we got there, then we drove it around for a bit and he ended up taken ng it home. If my memory servs me correctly some of the stringers were visible through a few of the floor hatches and i was suprised at how solid they were and how the bilge looked bone dry, but i will take a look at it again

the bottoms of stringers !and have a good smell as well !!
Good luck !!