Ever had a boat rock and been pushed around by the waves? Fiberglass boats are susceptible to scratching, cracking, and breaking due to bumps in the water or from hitting rocks so we must know how to reinforce a fiberglass boat transom.
It makes them less safe for boaters. Boat owners want their boats to last forever so they can keep enjoying time out on the water with friends and family.
With a broken transom, your boat will be disabled until it can be fixed. A fiberglass boat transom is the rear part of the ship that attaches to the hull.
The boat will not move as quickly or smoothly through the water. Boat owners can reinforce fiberglass boat transoms with fiberglass or resin.
When the boat hits a rock or bump, it will chip and crack. When water gets into these cracks, it can seep into the fibers of the boat and cause it to break apart.
How To Reinforce A Fiberglass Boat Transom
Reinforcing your fiberglass boat will make it strong enough to withstand any bumps and scrapes that happen while you’re out on the water. So what’s stopping you? Get started today.
Steps Involved in Reinforcing a Fiberglass Boat Transom
Step1:
Cleanse the fiberglass with denatured alcohol. Cleanse it carefully to eliminate all contaminants which might trigger the making of an issue on the fiberglass. You can use a tiny bit of toothpaste (the gel kind) to cleanse out any tiny holes in the fiberglass boat transom.
Step 2:
Use marine-quality epoxy to reinforce any splits or fractures that exist on the surface area of the fiberglass boat transom. Be sure that you mix each item thoroughly prior to beginning to use it, and make sure you apply enough for a good coating over every little thing that requires reinforcement.
Step 3:
Mix resin and hardener while paying attention not to create bubbles due to too much movement while you are doing this.
Step 4:
Use a paintbrush or fiberglass mesh to eliminate any bubbles that might have formed while the resin was having fun with the hardener. Allow it to dry for at least 24 hours prior to continuing onto the next step.
Step 5:
Fill up all holes and low areas using epoxy putty, letting each little bit dry before you apply another layer of epoxy putty on top of it until you get yourself a high level throughout your fiberglass boat transom, which is 1/8 inch higher than its original state.
If you cannot acquire epoxy putty, acrylic latex caulk can be used when mixed with sand to make numerous bits across the surface area of the fiberglass boat transom.
Step 6:
Sand the surface of the fiberglass boat transom down with an orbital sander making use of fine-grit sandpaper to make sure that it is as level as possible before you begin painting on top of it along with your epoxy paint or primer.
Step 7:
Cleanse the area with soap and water to remove any dust from sanding, and dry it off thoroughly before continuing on to the next step.
Where you will paint over the epoxy putty/caulk/latex caulk mixture using international marine epoxy paint or primer, allowing 24 hours for each coat to dry before applying another one.
When applying more than one coat, sand down between each coat lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure a level surface.
Step 8:
Apply the final coat of epoxy paint/primer and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before taking your fiberglass boat transom into the water again.
Repeat this procedure if you keep in mind any fractures or splits on the boat transom, which will require more reinforcement, based on how severe they can be.
You can prevent this by reinforcing fiberglass boat trawler sterns before issues arise, like large cracks and fractures that make your relationship with your watercraft very difficult, if not entirely challenging. The methods above will guide you through how to reinforce a fiberglass boat transom.
Why Do You Need to Reinforce a Fiberglass Boat Transom?
There are many reasons to reinforce a fiberglass boat transom. The two main reasons for reinforcement are to make the boat sturdier and make it easier to attach things like outboard motors or swimming ladders.
Reinforcing any kind of fiberglass is essential because it helps keep the product firm, making it less likely that your transom will break.
Fiberglass is also very expensive, so you want it to last as long as possible. Most people become more concerned about their boats when they buy an outboard motor since this means that the boat will be traveling at much higher speeds than before.
It’s pretty obvious why having a reinforced transom would matter if you were traveling at 20 miles per hour with no motor and your transom broke.
But even if you aren’t operating your boat at top speeds, it is still a good idea to reinforce the transom. You may not think that there’s much danger of collisions or running into logs since your boat is only around six feet long and 14 inches wide, but accidents can happen, and you don’t want them to ruin your entire day just because you didn’t reinforce the transom.
Can You Replace The Transom on A Fiberglass Boat?
Yes, you can replace the transom on a fiberglass boat. The challenge with this endeavor is that fiberglass boats are not easy to work on.
It is advisable that you hire a professional marine contractor to replace the transom, and this is most often done when the hull is removed from the water for service.
The transom replacement process begins with removing all of the hardware, engine, wiring, etc. Next, the old transom is cut out with a plasma or arc cutter, right down to the hull.
The new transom is then fitted into the boat, and attached with stainless steel screws. Once the transom is installed, the wiring, engine, and anything else you had on your old transom can be added after this step the boat is lowered back into the water, and new hardware is attached.
How Do I Know if My Boat Transom is Bad
When you look into the transom of your boat, is there any darkness? Maybe some discoloration or signs of water damage? Or does it look pretty good?
The transom is one of those things that if it’s completely rotted, you’re probably going to know it. However, it can be hard to tell if some damage will worsen over time. The first thing you need to know is that one of the most common problems with transoms is rot.
That happens over time through exposure to water, the sun, and wear and tear on the boat itself. It causes a sort of “root” to sprout from the wood. Sometimes, this “root” will continue to grow and may form cracks in the wood.
It is especially true if the transom is painted or varnished. Once you find rot on your boat, you have to get rid of it. Unfortunately, there’s no natural cure for rot.
So the only way to fix the problem is to remove all the rotten wood. Afterward, you would want to inspect the fibers of your transom and readjust as necessary.
It can be a somewhat tricky process, but you can always take your boat to a professional if it becomes too complicated. The best way to avoid this issue is by keeping your boat in a covered slip and regularly checking the wood around your transom for any signs of rot.
Can You Repair a Fiberglass Transom?
Yes, you can repair a fiberglass transom by patching and filling. Fiberglass transoms become dented and cracked over time due to the vibration of the propeller and engine.
If you have a fiberglass transom, you can repair it by patching and filling the damaged area.
You’ll need sandpaper, resin, and fiberglass cloth to repair a fiberglass transom.
To patch the damaged area, sand the area with sandpaper and wipe it clean. Next, apply a layer of resin to the damaged area, followed by a layer of fiberglass cloth.
Let the resin and fiberglass cloth dry. Next, sand off excess resin from the repair area, apply another layer of resin over it, and let it dry again.
Repeat this process until the fiberglass repair is level and even with the rest of the transom. To fill in a crack, sand both the crack and the surrounding area to ensure a smooth surface.
Next, apply resin to both areas, followed by a layer of fiberglass cloth. Finally, sand off excess resin and repeat the process until the crack is no longer visible.
Conclusion
Fiberglass boat owners are always looking for ways to keep their boats in top condition. One of the most common questions they ask is how to reinforce a fiberglass boat. If you’re not sure, there is a complete step-by-step guide. The first step in reinforcing your fiberglass boat is removing any old layers of sealant and thoroughly cleaning the area with soap and water so it can be primed correctly before painting. For many people who enjoy boating as part of their lifestyle, this guide will go a long way towards ensuring their vessel lasts for years more on the water!
