I'm looking at a used 400 SS and it says new transom plated installed. Can somone please explain what they are? Could that be hiding something like a weak transom? Motors are new in 2009 . 502's closed cooling . Outdrives are new Bravo 3 Seacore. Are they strong enough for this boat. I've seen many with Bravo X ? Thanks

Usually when referring to a transom plate, they are talking about the backing plate that's on the inside of the engine compartment for the outdrive transom assembly that sits on the outside of the boat.

here's what it looks like:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercruiser-A...BXb~SW&vxp=mtr

as for why they were replaced? who knows...could be corrosion, maybe someone over tightened it on initial install and cracked a corner....could have been a bad transom at some point...who knows