On Sun, 12 Dec 2004 19:29:12 -0500, sel1 wrote:

Tom,

re your comment on over torquing, the nuts are pretty small (3/8) and I
could easily see that happening but Jim has me thinking more of rot (wet or
dry) than I care to now. The transom is about 12' X 3.5' and the plywood
core is at least 2" thick. Yikes! $$$$


Yep, any hint of "rot" and the "OhMyGod your transom is Totally Rotten and
Has To Be Replaced!" fearmongers gather like moths to a light.

The Truth is, most older boats have SOME rot or at least punky spots in
the transom. Another Truth is that the transom as to be REALLY REALLY
rotten (ie obvious) before it's dangerous (ie likely for catastrophic
failure).

I'm guessing your transom is fine. Check for cracking around the outboard
mounts or outdrive: if there are no obvious cracks, you're ok.

As for the overtorqued nuts, you MIGHT want to goop in some penetrating
epoxy like CPES (www.rotdoctor.com), or just "line" the holes with epoxy
to prevent moisure from getting to the wood. Then Back with SS or
Starboard (I don't like backing with aluminum - too soft!)

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36