Boatworks Today: Reinforcing the Transom

When boat repair wizard Andy Miller of Boatworks Today bought this recently restored Bertram Moppie, he was not expecting to redo most of what the previous owner had already restored.  But a close examination of the repairs didn’t make Andy confident in the work that had been done, so redoing it was his best option. Andy uses our Traditional 5:1 Epoxy Resin thickened with Silica for great strengthening and bonding.  Five layers of 1708 fiberglass will definitely add structural integrity when soaked with the epoxy, and as suspected, Andy is well on his way to a beefy, stable and rock-solid transom. 

Using EC Cutter electric shears that cut through the fiberglass “like butter,”  saves Andy time and allows him to make a neat pile of the graduated fiberglass pieces he uses to reinforce the transom.  He set himself up a production area, soaks the plastic with resin, then the glass, and then adds more as needed – pushing any excess out with his gloved hands or with a roller. There is much to learn here: Don’t be afraid to find defects in what appears to be decent repairs. And then add a little time and material and you’re rewarded with years of use and comfort in knowing the repair was done – or redone – correctly! Enjoy!

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