Transom Replacement - 1975 StarCraft

[mrdonaghy]

I have a 15' 1975 StarCraft that I started re-painting and then like any other project things got out of hand. I started redoing the inside as well and then the transom started to stand out. Needed to take my 40HP into the shop anyway, so the motor is off the boat and the old transom wood is pocket-marked with holes and dry-rot in a couple places. It appears that the transom may have been made with layers of wood / plywood, not a single piece like I thought, that's not to say it doesn't hold like a single piece of wood, but it doesn't appear it actually is.

Anyway, my question is, what kind of wood should I use to replace the transom with. I was thinking a solid piece of Oak cut to size, to match the other woodwork on the boat. The boat is rated for a 50HP, but even the 40 is a big engine for the size of the boat, so i need to make sure things are solid.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

[big saw]

Contact Starcraft and ask what they recommend. Tell them what your boat is. I think that would be the safest method.

[2sac]

Marine grade plywood Avoid pressure treated lumber. The chemicals will adversly affect the aluminum. I'd be curious to see if anyone has used one of the composite woods or pvc.

[Jerkbate]

You may want to check out the boat restoration, building and hull repair forum on www.iboats.com
There's a wealth of information there. You might even get some specific inspiration for your StarCraft when you see what some others have done with theirs.

My buddy and I are working on a '78 Sylvan, so I can relate to what you say about one thing leading to another! Good luck.

[ja-knee-sea]

I'd go with Marine grade plywood... Oak is too brittle for the torque forces of an outboard motor...

[Fishing Fool]

I'd go with Marine grade plywood... Oak is too brittle for the torque forces of an outboard motor...

Where do you get marine grade plywood? Is that what it is called? Can you get it at the hardware store i.e. Home Depot or something? i think I remember seeing somewhere something about certain woods that are bad for aluminum?

[ja-knee-sea]

Most hardware stores won't stock marine plywood, but will orderr it for you... Try some of the larger boat dealers like Basa's or WaterWerks... Maybe even Henry's downtown... Do a yellow pages search for marine plywood and let those fingers do the walkin'.....

[BrookfieldAngler]

I order it from Raynor & Rinn-Scott. They have a lumber yard around here somewhere. I am not sure if they sell to the general public, though - give them a shout