I am in the middle of a transom/stringer replacement build, and was curious which type of cutting tool is best to cut out the new 3/4 marine plywood? I'm guessing a router type of a tool, but wanted to confirm and get a recommendation on the best bit if this happens to be the best tool to utilize. Thanks in advance!

i like a circular saw. measure in sections, cut out the sections in card board... make sure its perfect. then cut out the wood.. you can use a large angle grinder to make minor sanding adjustments as well...

Router would be good if you had a transom-jig to pass it around. Use a circle saw for the big stuff and a jigsaw for most of the rest. Finish off the process with a sander.

You do want to cut a bit larger then epoxy all edges and holes, re-drill holes to proper size after epoxy.

Cut a lot of transoms with a circular saw in your 19 years? Just curious.

In defense of 315duramax...When I was 19, I knew everything. I think the older you get ,the more you realize there is a lot left to learn.

whatever tool you decide on try to use something with a dust collection attachment

I plan to make a template here shortly. Sounds like a jigsaw would work good. After it's cut, final fit and sand. I appreciate all of the input guys!

to quote curley from the three stooges...."What is this ..... You're not gonna blast?!" "What would you do?" "... I'd blast." Curly

Sorry had to.

Don't need a weather report to know its cold where you are......seems like the consensus (away for this thread) is that a jigsaw works quite well". Your smart ass comments are not helpful nor appreciated FYI. Referencing the 3 stooges!? Quite the scholar.... You want to play the insult game, I'm more than obliged to take your offer.

It's guys like glassdave and a couple others who make this section very helpful. Then there's the majority of guys who are hell bent on insulting folks for asking questions. Here's some advice, egos eat brains... The young guy who posted above may not have all the experience, but he is courteous enough to help with the information he currently had available. And as any intelligent man knows, you take several opinions and then formulate your plan. I'm here to learn in the area of fiberglass and specifically "Glassdave" had been a very helpful professional. I can't thank him enough. Nothing but class there. However, quite a few of you need to remember basic manners. I'm also not afraid of a literary throw down, if warranted. You want this sport to grow, but yet you do nothing to promote that growth.

I cut two of them. found the easiest was the jig saw. What made the biggest difference is when I stepped up to the plate and bought a top of the line Bosch saw. Forget the black and decker or bottom end craftsman. I was pissed when I got the new saw knowing all the frustrations I had chasing the blade on the cheep ones. I can just about split a pencil line. Like the others have said, cut on the larger size and you can shape it with a belt sander.