new materials for transoms

[slopitch]

I have been searching forums for possible alternative (free) material to use on my transom and find no references with regard to using UHMW, Micarta, etc. I realize that they are probably cost prohibitive for mounting a small 2 stroke on a 12' boat but if I have a source to get scraps of certain material, how would they work as an alternate to 2 pieces of 3/4 plywood?

 

[slopitch]

I will ask the question differently. I am thinking of using scraps (that means I get it free from where I work) of micarta for my transom replacement. Does anyone see a problem with using this material?

 

[Abraham]

Read up on this stuff a little bit and it really depends on the quality of the micarta on whether or not it stands up to water. Some kinds are great and others are terrible, just depends on what you're able to steal from work.

 

[TheMaestro]

What application is the stuff you have access to used for? Does it withstand flex? Is it thick enough to support the outboard?

 

[slopitch]

The micarta we have is used typically for run-out tables that support a sheet of light-gauge steel strip. It is not flexible at all and resembles extremely hard plywood. It is not used anywhere that is submerged so I don't know how it performs with water except that it seems to be very well sealed like a composite in resin. The thickness we use is generally about 3/8 - 1/2 inch so I would have to laminate a couple together to get the desired thickness. Appearance-wise, it looks like polished furniture. My wish is to not have to deal with resins and sealing.
@abraham - I don't think the type we have is paper, denim, or some other low-grade material. I am told by our maintenance group that the stuff is impermeable. Oh, and don't be concerned, I get authorization from the plant manager to remove anything from the property and it goes into my employment file.

 

[TheMaestro]

It sounds like you have the 'high end' micarta, which is generally very waterproof and quite strong. Id say laminate to the thickness you need for the transom and you should be set!