crack in transom gel coat

[Richard]

I recently purchased a 22 ft. performance boat. It came with a CMC hydraulic lift plate and transom plate made of aluminum. After removing the lift plate and transom plate for refinishing, I found two cracks slighly below the top of the transom. It looks like the gel coat is cracked, although the transom seems solid. What would be the best way to repair this. The transom plate will cover the repairs so perfection is not an issue.

[W. Tripp]

Without seeing the damage it is hard to be SURE. But most transoms today are made of HD foam, and many times when installing engines and jackplates, a person will over tighten the through bolts until they hear crackeling (foam crushing). I believe this is the cause of your problem.

If this is what has happened, make sure that the transom is still structurally sound. Then simply sand down the effected area and shoot it with with matching (or contrasting) gel coat and wet sand to look good. Make sure the through holes are sealed from water, and use a good sealant (like silicone) around the bolts when reinstalling the jackplate.

I hope this helps.