Currently rebuilding a 93 Mirage trovare and need some opinions on repairing some slight water intrusion on the lower transom. All of the other surrounding wood is dry and rot free. This is what I have thus far. Appreciate the responses. I'm most concerned with strength as I'm installing a 600hp BBC. Thx





The worst part which was at the very lowest stud





Rest of the wood is rot free and dry

time wise youll have about the same in either way. The prep needed to properly do a partial replacement is about the same as just doing the whole thing and you will have a far far better transom at the end. Shelfing in just the center section requires a stepped joint and it a pain to do and in an afternoon you could just have the entire old transom out ready for grinding (looks like your half way there already ) . Been there dont that and there are very few circumstances that i would do a partial.

Thanks Dave! Would it be best to just cut the stringers that tie into the old transom back a few inches to get all of of it out, then patch those back in once new transom is tabbed in? You can see from the photos how my transom is partially hidden by the laminated floor on the sides. Also, planning to place an order with US Composites today. How much vinyl ester, 1708, chop strand and cabosil should i order? Thanks for your time dave!

I have to say; Beau, Dave is going to be the expert going forward to your transom replacement. From what; I'am seeing the lay-up looks pretty dry, especially between the 2 sections of plywood. Better get going on the de-rigging of the rest of the engine compartment.

for those corner sections because its boxed in you can get away with a butt joint there (as long as the wood left is dry). One quick question before moving forward with the how-to, what are you using to cut the old transom out with? Circular saw or??? i have some tips in that area that will help

Thus far I've been using a RotoZip circular saw, chisel and breaker bars only on top layer. Really appreciate your help Dave!

just go at the whole thing and replace it. the work to detail in the little section its easier just to rip the whole thing out and do a whole repair... who knows you might find some more rot in those hidden areas!







u can see the 4 layers of resin/glass in the slug from the drive cutout.




i dug all mine out with a oscilating saw... it cuts through glass easily and doesnt throw dust around like a typical rotating saw. to get the pieces that are stuck to the outside glass put a flat scraping bit on it... its amazing how well it chips that stuff off so you can get back down to bare glass. Harbor freight has a cheapo that'll get you through the job.

I have a twin engine 35" Cigarette Cafe Racer and have done only partial transom replacement. agree with your to do complete as your engine is out. Mine only had leakage from stbd side exhaust and it came out ok.

Partially my stringers were also replaced, did you check yours?

Great work there guys! To answer the stringer question, yes I drilled them and they seem very solid and dry. I have a feeling the rest of the transom isn't going to be fun coming off as it appears solid and dry except for the very lower portion. Could be worse, so I'm pretty pleased. Thanks for all of the suggestions on this, it's very much appreciated! Hope you all have a great thanksgiving.