1964 Widgeon transom problem

[zaneroni]

Hi

I recently bought a 1964 O’Day Widgeon. The seller had it in his yard for over 10 years collecting water and all sort of debris.
I started the clean up and decided to install inspection ports on the bow compartment and the stern. Both were filled with water soaked foam that.

The problem is I noticed that the transom wood is rotted from all the water that soaked in that compartment for years and need help with ideas of what to do next.

I thought of 2 solutions:
1- Shape a ¾” piece of plywood to cover the entire transom, epoxy it to the outside and bolt it through the old transom. OR
2- Shape a ½” Piece of plywood to cover the outside transom and another piece to cover the transom from the cockpit side above the floatation deck and bolt them through.

I would appreciate any help and or ideas on how to re-enforce the transom.

Thank you

 

[Sunbird22358]

I've replaced the plywood in the transom of a 14' powerboat, and used to have a 1969 WIDGEON. I'd want to do all the work on the inside of the transom, it will mean doing a bit of surgery to the deck, but if done carefully.... you should be able to fix it good as new. There used to be a good website showing how to replace the plywood core of a JAVELIN transom (1966 model) ,but I'm not sure if it still is active. I ca ngive you a bit more info.....but will need to get back to you about this.....

 

[sharps4590]

There is no way I can be considered a boat builder but it seems to me that if you bolt or glue something to wood you know is rotted the problem really hasn't been repaired or solved, merely patched. I would fear failure at the most inopportune time. I would think replacement of the transom to be the best bet. Widgeons are a lot of fun! I sure enjoy mine.

 

[zaneroni]

Here are some pictures of the work so far. I used 3/4" exterior plywood and scored it to be able to shape it to the outer skin of the transom.

After it was set in with thickened epoxy, I filled in the scores with thickened epoxy and covered the whole face with 8oz FG.

I still need to figure out how I will reattach the deck, not sure if I should used epoxy or some other type of glue. The original set up had staples that attached the deck to the hull. Since I don't have anything that can drive staples through FG, I'll have to come up with a different solution.
I would appreciate any input.

Thanks