One would suspect rot, but I just had the boat surveyed and the only spot in
question was where the steering arms came through the transom - some
delamination. Once I took out the steering arms, sure enough the wood is a
bit pulpy. Previous owner left pratically desintegrated boots as they were,
for obviously a very long time. Albeit above the water line, it was pretty
wet in there. Might have to replace wood in that area. In the spot where the
bolts appeared to be sunk in was around the exhaust ports, which I have
removed and the wood looks pretty good actually, but I'm just a beginner
).

I guess I'll have the other areas checked out again in the spring.


"Jim" wrote in message
ink.net...
I'm waiting to see if anyone suggests to look for the reason for the
loose bolts, like rotten plywood core. So far there is a lot of good
info on backing plates.

Out drive boats are usually built with a plywood core in the transom,
because of the loads the transom takes. I doubt you'll find foam.

If you have some rot, there's no choice on the fix. Backing plates
isn't it.
Jim