I was a little concerned when I read this thread because I noticed that the plastic covers that cover the area between the cap and the transom are cracked. After a very close inspection I found that there is no damage to my transom from the jack plate. What I did find is that the screws that hold the aluminum C shaped cover on the top edge of the transom came loose some time ago and the pressure from the aluminum caused the cracking to the two black trim pieces. The boat is 12 years old and the condition of the transom says a great deal for the design and quality of construction.