Lloyd,

I have outdrives and there is no cracking in the glass at all. Grazing on
other parts of the boat but nothing on the transom.

I can see that this topic is resulting in a hung jury. I will certainly do
as Tom suggests and tap away but I will likely end up being at the mercy of
another surveyor or the "repair man". The original surveyor has passed away
so I can't probe him for details.

Steve

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