New member / new to tin boats / Lonestar transom question

[shaneaw]

Ok - I am new to the tin boat thing, but needed to get something on a budget to get me and the kids off the bank (not sure we will do any better with the fishing, but it is worth a try..). I found and purchased a boat / trailer, and thanks to the information on this site - I figured out that it is a Lonestar Commander (14') - the seat brackets are a dead giveaway. Bear with me - I try to find information through searches, but am new to this.

My immediate plan is just to get on the water - in order to do that I need to do the following:
- Replace Transom
- Trailer Lights
- Trailer Tires / Bearings
- I have already gone through the registration process for the boat and trailer....
- Oh yea, and my son said I need something to push it along besides him and some oars :roll:

:?: I have read a number of posts on the forum that talk about separating the metal on the motor from the boat, but my transom has a metal plate where the motor mounts? I am currently cutting / sealing new transom wood, but don't know if this will be a problem down the road or not. I plan to use it mostly freshwater, but salt isn't out of the question during a vacation.
I have seen several pictures that actually have wood on the inside and outside of the transom. I know that this is an older boat - so I am not sure whether or not the plate is a good thing? You can see the inside clearly in the picture - it is just a U shape that doubles over the outside as well.

Here are some pictures of the transom area (obviously before I have swept out the rotten wood).

The preview doesn't seem to put the picture in there, so I hope it works - if not you should be able to see the pics here:
https://s628.photobucket.com/albums/uu7/shane_aw/Lonestar Commander/
I think I figured out the picture, but I will leave the link just in case...

Thanks!
Shane

 

[ben2go]

:WELCOME:

The motor doesn't have to be isolated from the hull.Only issues is with pressure treated wood and other metals,they cause corrosion.Stainless steel is fine just use 3M 5200 marine sealant to seal the hardware.You can do a half inch wood plate on the outside of the transom.Just use 3M 5200 to caulk around the plate.It keeps water out from between the wood plate and hull.

 

[Waterwings]

Welcome Aboard! Gonna be a nice project boat! 8)

 

[russ010]

I agree with Ben. If you're seldomly going to be in salt water, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Using stainless hardware, sealing the wood, and using 5200 as a moisture barrier between the wood and metal will take care of any worries you have.

Welcome to the site and your newest addiction! There are plenty of us here to aid in your cause!

 

[river_wolf]

Welcome! I am also fairly new and have been reading up as I go. From what I have seen, these are some really good people on here and always willing to help when I have asked a question.

Wolf

 

[Codeman]

Pretty easy on that boat I have an old Lonestar too. On my other boat I used 2 pieces of 3/4 untreated plywood, laminated them together with glue and then treated the whole thing real good with Thompson's water sealer and then painted it as well.