Transom separating from boat

[fish4cats]

I just purchased a 1991 Tracker Magna 17 and noticed a small crack inside the transom under where the motor is mounted to the boat. If you lean on the motor you can make it bigger. It looks as if the previous owner ran a bead of silicone along the inside to try and cover it up. Is this something to be really concerned about? Can it be easily be fixed? I think that welding it would be ok. Anyone else had this happen?

[Northlander]

I would get it fixed profesionally. Steve Bakken does a lot of these jobs. Im sure he will see this and give you some advice.

[marine_man]

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Is this something to be really concerned about?

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Yes - unless you want your transom & motor to fall off if it's not repaired

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Can it be easily be fixed? I think that welding it would be ok. Anyone else had this happen?

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As Northlander said, I would get in touch with Steve Bakken from this forum. He's an expert at these type of repairs. Also, do a search in this and the equipment forum - this topic has been discussed quite a bit before.

marine_man

[Black_Bay]

How long ago did you buy this boat? I'd question the previous owner about it.

I agree with the others. Get it fixed by a pro.

[fish4cats]

Thanks guys, I had it looked at today and the guy thinks that it is normal. Where it is starting to crack is along a seam that is not welded. It seems like it is reinforced enough. There are 4 bolts attaching the motor to the boat, so hopefully it is ok.

As for when I purchased the boat, I bought it last week.

[marine_man]

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I had it looked at today and the guy thinks that it is normal.

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Any chance you can post a picture? Any transom separation that is worse when you push on the motor is rarely normal. The fact that someone else put a bead of silicone over the crack further reinforces that fact in my opinion.

marine_man

[Gadgetman]

The transom on my Pro V was in a similar state and if you poked a screwdriver in that crack you will probably gfind that the wood in the transom is rotten and that is what is actually giving you the support. I had Bakkens fix it and feel much better now. They are a top notch operation. I dont know about you but the thought of being in the middle of Leech Lake in the spring with three foot swells and having my motor rip off the transom just didnt sound like a good time I would have a professional look at it One more thought, all that silicon did was keep what ever water got in there from evaporating so it is certainly causing rot. The transom in my Lund was only exterior grade plywood NOT marine grade so it is pretty prone to rotting.

[fish4cats]

Anyone have Bakkens # or handle on this site so I can get ahold of him?

Thanks

[Valv]

http://www.bakkensboatshop.com/

[marine_man]

Here's a link to his profile: Steve Bakken

marine_man

[Steve Bakken]

Sorry it took so long to reply to this post, we've been at our booth at the Steele Co. Fair all week. We would sure be willing to take a look at it for you. It's true that some transoms will flex some just due to the nature of their particular design, so I wouldn't fret just yet, but it should be looked at just in case the wood is in fact mushy. Transoms are kind of like brakes on a car, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

By the way, thanks for the plug, guys. I really appreciate it.

[fish4cats]

Thanks for replying Steve. I had a guy at a marine shop look at it yesterday and he said that the back is definitely bowed a little and that the wood is mushy. The top 2 bolts are starting to sink into the transom. He thinks I could run it for another 2 years, but I dont think that I will. Do you happen to know if Tracker warranties this?

I think the guy I bought it from might be getting a phone call from me. I am not a happy camper.

[iffwalleyes]

I doubt it can be covered especially due to the age of the boat. I would for sure talk to the previous owner. Depends how bad you want to keep it. I would find out from Steve what it would run to get it fixed. If you really like the boat it might be worth getting if fixed. If you get it fixed then make sure to get a transom saver as they are worth it.

[Steve Bakken]

As far as the warranty goes, my philosophy is that it never hurts to ask. We've dealt with Tracker before on warranties and they've been very good to stand by their boats. As Iffwalleyes stated, it may be tough because of the age of the boat, but you never know untill you try.