I have a 75 Glastern Cobra that I just bought and the transom needs to be rebuilt.
1. how do I go about doing this?
2. I was told to use marine grade plywood, where do I get this in Ga. I have looked on the internet and had no luck.
3. Anyone ever done this before?
benthic_man
Favorite Answer
In GA you simply need to find a lumberyard and get marine grade plywood. I'd suggest against Fir, as it's a pain in the butt to sand (the grain is harder than the clear part) and tends to splinter. The very best of the best is Okume or Meranti plywood, made from an African wood, but any void-free marine grade ply is fine.
I've redone a few boats- the thing is, the plywood is just the core- the strength comes from the fiberglass composite sandwich that you make...that being said, if you don't want to redo your work in 3 years, you need marine grade ply. Personally, I like to use 2 sheets of 3/4 ply glued and screwed together, fitted roughly in place, then glass the bejaysus out of it with triaxial cloth and woven roven cloth.
melgoza
Marine Plywood For Sale
bannett
Marine Plywood Home Depot
?
That is an undertaking. Transom is one of the Bulkheads of the boat, on that boat is THE bulkhead.
Marine Grade Ply is going to cost, and cost, so measure twice, measure again cut once, measure again.
Make a template of the existing one with Panelling or some thin ply, even Thermoply works for that. Thermo-ply is like cardboard, wich can also be used to make a template. I suggest that you make two templates and store one in a very dry place, preferably inside.
Go to the local Lumber yard, the old one, not the Franchised one. Ask them what they have and can you purchase it buy certain measurements, that way they cut it for you and then you assemble and apply it.
Unless that vessel has some sentimental value, it really is not worth the 50hours and the $3k that it will most likely cost to replace the Transom.
Yes, I have done that before, on a 64 Chris Craft, all wood, it worked nice.
Seems like you could find one being given away or parted out on line or at some boat place and that would make it alot less investment and trouble.
Think about it, you are replacing the Motor Mount and the section where all the stress is compounded, one fail and is a sink.
I just looked on Craigslist and found a 1980s Glastron for $890, that is probably less than the materials and time and tools to replace that one.
CapitolOne sells Marine Grade, I have never dealt with them or used them, seems like Georgia Lumber also sells that, I have used them in the past.
Get that 1980s one for $850, use yours as a parts boat and enjoy the summer.
Derrick S
If you have a Lowe's or Home Depot, they should have it or at least use ACX or ABX grade plywood. Many lumber yards will also have it in stock. It's not cheap, but you really need to use it.
I've never had to replace a transom so I can't help you there. But if you Google it you'll find it. Or try Bing.com