Transom repair questions on my hawk

[logan2005]

Hey guys, another PROUD Basshawk owner here. I'm starting a total makeover and had some questions. I have read all the posts in this section and learned you can take the top off of your boat...did not know this! I am glad I found this forum because I was about a week away from taking the motor off and cutting the top of the transom off with a die grinder to try and chip the wood out and replace with SeaCast. Maybe this isnt such a bad idea??? I would love to take the cap off and do EVERYTHING the right way, but I dont have a place to keep it once in the air, and I dont have a place indoors to do all the work. I have already removed all carpeting and accesories, filled a bunch of small holes in the top rail, and priced out a new paint job for the cap and the stripe on the hull. I suppose I could leave the hull on the trailer?? Any thing you guys got for help would be great, would love to hear any suggestions as I dont want to screw this up, otherwise I am not going to be able to fish this year, and we all know that is unacceptable!! :) Thanks guys!

[Skeet'r89]

First, do you really have a transom problem? Second if you do have a problem, cutting the top strip off of the transom would probably be a good start anyways. That is how I started with my Skeeter because I thought I would be able to do as you are thinking. As it turned out the splash well was bonded to the transom and I would have never gotten the top cap off without doing this anyhow.

[logan2005]

I have spider cracks at all the "bends" in the top rail, the splashwell is cracked on the sides and bottom, and to the outside of each transom bolt the piece of steel or aluminum that covers the top of the transom is cracked. If you look down the top of the transom from the side, it is not at all straight. Has about 1 1/4" bow in it. So I think that I do have a transom problem, but again I know nothing of fiberglass and transoms and caps, Im assuming that its a problem that I need to fix. When I took it to get painted is when the owner, a friend, said painting it would be pointless as all the crackes in the splashwell would come right back. So I figure if I am going to spend a grand on paint, I should fix this transom so the boat doesnt flex so much back there. Anyway, I will start with that, I'll pull the motor and get to work on the back. Also, from what I gather, if I drill out all the RubRail rivets, the cap will be loose?? Is this correct?
Thanks for the response Skeet, appreciate the help!

Logan

[Rollo331]

usually the caps (we okies call tham decks) are mudded to the transom..
Most boat builders use Transom putty....It is done to secure the deck to the hull in the transom and when done correct it seals that area water tight also. Look under the dashes and make sure it is not glassed together there also...All builders are different..
some do not glass the cap to the hull ,some glass them in spots...with the carpet out you will see if it glassed..Sounds like you don't have much transom left...
with it that bad be prepared for stringer and knee brace trouble....

[Rollo331]

PS logan welcome to this site you will love it!!!!!!!take pics if you can.....of your project

[logan2005]

Thanks for the welcome!! I will try to get pics tonight and have them hosted somewhere...Im going to need to do that on a regular basis because I am an amatuer to the inner workings of boats and fiberglass. I dont understand half of the stuff you guys are mentioning. BUT I am doing alot of google searching on the topic, so I'm learning! Anyway, I will take pics of the whole thing soon and get it up so you guys will be able to see. Thanks for the responses and help so far!

Logan

[merklerob]

the only reason for repairing the transom completely is if it wet and rotten. if its solid and dry maybe you only need to reinforce the transom. the builder some time don't properly re-enforce the transom. chech the transom for rot and wetness before you go to a lot of unnecessary work.

[Bass Hawk 87]

Logan,


Welcome to BBC. It is always great to welcome another Bass Hawk owner to the site.

Come over and get your boat listed on our owner's Page

http://www.bassboatcentral.com/basshawk.htm

[logan2005]

Looks like your boat is identical to mine!! Same colors and all, except mine is ripped apart for restoration and all. But yours is still beautiful!! Nice Picture!!

Logan

[Skeet'r89]

JUst want to say , Good Luck with your project and ask questions any thime you feel the need. Also just wanted to let you no that I did about 90% of the work on mine outside. Just had to keep it covered up. There is a lot of work involved in what you want to do, but if you do it right it will be as good as new or even better.

[logan2005]

Just wanted to make sure you guys saw these.........

http://img214.echo.cx/img214/1223/dscf12071jx.jpg
http://img214.echo.cx/img214/6259/dscf12083fs.jpg
http://img214.echo.cx/img214/6249/dscf12096ad.jpg
http://img214.echo.cx/img214/6676/dscf12135we.jpg
http://img214.echo.cx/img214/8836/dscf12156vu.jpg
http://img214.echo.cx/img214/6251/dscf12164xu.jpg
http://img214.echo.cx/img214/3127/dscf12170fy.jpg
http://img214.echo.cx/img214/3194/dscf12207jb.jpg
http://img214.echo.cx/img214/1930/dscf12220tk.jpg
http://img214.echo.cx/img214/2676/dscf12234qj.jpg
http://img214.echo.cx/img214/6938/dscf12246fq.jpg

The rubrail and all rivets were removed tonight. I can pick up the front and wiggle it by hand, but the back is still solid as the motor is still on. So thats next!! I will keep you updated and be back frequently as I am sure I will have questions.
Thanks guys
Logan