Lowe 1652 Transom Structure

[sparkdawg]

I have a 2003 Lowe 1652, and I'm about to upgrade the outboard. I never did through-bolt the motor that I had on it, this time I probably will.

Does anyone out there know the internal structure of the transom on these boats? In other words, when I drill, what am I going to drill into? All I see on the exterior is aluminum on both sides--is there a plywood core in there, or some sort of quasi-hollow structure that's all aluminum? Just curious what to expect.

 

[outboard]

A buddy owned a 2010, and that still had 1 1/2" plywood for a transom. I would expect 2003 to have been the same. They had some issues with them using pressure treated marine plywood in those years, they often have a good bit of corrosion if its one of the affected hulls. The problem goes back into the late 80's with Lowe, Sea Nymph, and Grumman boats, all which were OMC brands at the time. I'm not sure when they figured it all out but I do know they were still an issue in 2010. If you can find an original brochure it may elaborate a bit on how the transom was made that year but wood is my first thought.

 

[FuzzyGrub]

Welcome to Tin Boats!

I think it would be very unusual for a boat of that year vintage to have an all aluminum transom. Highly likely to be 1 1/2" plywood core.

My late 90's DMI 1648 was sandwiched with aluminum. It was also the dreaded pressure treated, and when I changed it out, it had "worm tracks" and some pin holes in the aluminum. Are you getting deformation from the current motor and clamps? If so, might be a sign that it is waterlogged. When you drill the holes, check the wood chippings if they are wet or not. If they are wet, I'd look to replace the transom, sooner, than latter.