I've seen plenty of rotten Cig transoms including one Cafe that the outdrives pulled from the transom as the plywood was completely rotted to crumbly bits. I've owned 2 Apache's with rotten transoms and have seen several more.

The wood doesn't know if it's in the transom of a million-dollar boat or a Bayliner.

Sorry, I guess I used the wrong term. He would remove a couple screws from transom hardware, or stringer hardware, and and a small pick would check for soft or wet wood. Then reseal, with the owners and or marina's consent obviously.

What brand of boat do you currently own?

Hey bouyhunter what is better on worms, salt or pepper?? Ladies don't get your panties in a bunch! - jeez I made the obligatory disclaimers in red...

Boat - I sold my 89 Formula 311 over a year ago for the same $ I paid for it over 3 years prior. I did not say that Formula was any better than other boats - (make up your own mind - see how many 80's Formulas are out still out there) I could have spent the 30k on a faster 90's boat from a different brand though have no regrets.

Just for the record I know my Maxima will not last as long as a Mercedes, Cadillac or BMW - IT"LL last longer!!! go second rate!!!!

A bit of both.
BBQ sauce also helps.

We were are working on a late 80s Donzi because he wants a bravo drive. well, the transom is as solid as mud on a rainy day, the bottom is toast,the stringers are bread like and it needs a new floor.

Any one know if a boat has solid floors ,solid transom and was stored out of the water indoors since 1994 and it was a 1981 boat whats the likeliness of rot in the stringers please any input would be great

stored inside / out, was it covered or was run off getting in bilge will probably help

inside till 8 months ago was covered with a tarp on trailer no water in bilge that was visible

There's only one way to tell and that's a moisture meter. It doesn't matter how long it's been stored or where. If they were wet when it was put up, they're likely rotten