While removing my gas tank from the locker,(75 O'day 25) I noticed a separation of the fiberglass on the transom. Being who I am, I pulled of this piece of glass, and this exposed a wet plywood core, so I continued to pull off fiberglass and wet (not rotten) plywood. I searched the archieves for information on this problem and could not find any(I'm sure some exist). I am capable of doing this repair, I am looking for tips and advice from others who have done this already.The exterior fiberglass and gelcoat are in fine condition. Thanks, Tom
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O'Day 25 transom repair
TDC, I think this may be a typical problem in the O'Day 25.I did mine last year. I cut the inside (very thin) skin of fiberglass off using a dremmel with a rasp type bit. The plywood pretty much flaked off. The big problem was the fiberglass (like body putty) that they adheared the plywood to the hull before they glassed the inside. The putty was very brittle and I could chip a lot of it off. I then applied a layer of woven roving to the inside where the plywood was. I have to admit that I was not real comfortable with the bond. As a result, I installed backing plates inside and out for the motor mount and the rudder connections. I used 1/4" aluminum plate ( I am a fresh water sailor). The plates for the motor mount were 11"wide and 16" high.I put one plate on the inside and one on the outside. I connected the plates in each corner by thru-bolting with a 1/4" bolt. Then I mounted the motor mount back on. I used 3M 4000 to seal all the bolts. The back-up plates for the gungeons were 3"x6". Again, one plate inside and one plate outside thru-bolting with three 1/4" bolts through the holes in the gungeons. It worked quit well. I hopethis helped. r.w.landau "79"O'Day 25 "Continuance"
TDC, I think this may be a typical problem in the O'Day 25.I did mine last year. I cut the inside (very thin) skin of fiberglass off using a dremmel with a rasp type bit. The plywood pretty much flaked off. The big problem was the fiberglass (like body putty) that they adheared the plywood to the hull before they glassed the inside. The putty was very brittle and I could chip a lot of it off. I then applied a layer of woven roving to the inside where the plywood was. I have to admit that I was not real comfortable with the bond. As a result, I installed backing plates inside and out for the motor mount and the rudder connections. I used 1/4" aluminum plate ( I am a fresh water sailor). The plates for the motor mount were 11"wide and 16" high.I put one plate on the inside and one on the outside. I connected the plates in each corner by thru-bolting with a 1/4" bolt. Then I mounted the motor mount back on. I used 3M 4000 to seal all the bolts. The back-up plates for the gungeons were 3"x6". Again, one plate inside and one plate outside thru-bolting with three 1/4" bolts through the holes in the gungeons. It worked quit well. I hopethis helped. r.w.landau "79"O'Day 25 "Continuance"
Thanks r.w.landau
Your advice was very helpful. I have now removed the thin fiberglass and all the plywood, and have chipped and sanded the putty under the plywood.(it was a job!!)I will install one piece of scored plywood with an epoxy putty and fiberglass over it.(scored the plywood to bend with the transome) thanks again and happy sailing.
Your advice was very helpful. I have now removed the thin fiberglass and all the plywood, and have chipped and sanded the putty under the plywood.(it was a job!!)I will install one piece of scored plywood with an epoxy putty and fiberglass over it.(scored the plywood to bend with the transome) thanks again and happy sailing.
TDC
I am glad it is working out for you. r.w.landau Pictures and advice would help the next guy....
I am glad it is working out for you. r.w.landau Pictures and advice would help the next guy....
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