How should I interpret these moisture readings?
#11
Gold Member
Gold Member
Having redone a couple Baja's and somewhat familiar with their techniques, I would bet that it has moisture or rot, especially at that age. Both times I had engines out I found bare spots on the stringers, the hole cutout for the drive was ALWAYS bare wood and the last project had some exposed wood where the transom drain tube/plug went thru the transom. Simple but really stupid manufacturing techniques or mistakes depending how you look at it...
Not saying you shouldnt buy it, but I am saying that you should pay what its worth assuming it has rot as a worst-case scenario.
Not saying you shouldnt buy it, but I am saying that you should pay what its worth assuming it has rot as a worst-case scenario.
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articfriends (08-30-2022)
#12
You can’t effectively check the wood without drilling a hole. Unfortunately he’s probably not going to let you do that. I’m betting there’s gonna be some serious transom rot and you’re gonna have to replace a lot of stuff. buyer beware!
#13
Registered
Should be able to unscrew some fasteners that are screwed into transom around lower half of transom assembly and drill a little bit farther to see what comes out, but as Keith said, I'd be very surprised if an original transom did not have rot
#14
Registered
If you have any doubts whatsoever walk away and find another boat. You’ll be thankful you did. Good luck.
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articfriends (08-30-2022)
#15
Registered
good wood should be 0-18%. Anything above 25% is wet. I would pass unless a new transom and stinger is priced into the purchase.
#16
Registered
iTrader: (4)
Moisture meter from Home Depot corresponded with "pin" marine moisture meter. Known bad parts of the transom were 20-26%. Spots away from bolts and fittings were 8-12%. New transom and stringers measured 1-4%.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/General-...-MM8/205519129
https://www.homedepot.com/p/General-...-MM8/205519129
#17
Registered
Moisture meter from Home Depot corresponded with "pin" marine moisture meter. Known bad parts of the transom were 20-26%. Spots away from bolts and fittings were 8-12%. New transom and stringers measured 1-4%.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/General-...-MM8/205519129
https://www.homedepot.com/p/General-...-MM8/205519129