Transom material

[MattA]

So im replacing my transom couse the wood is starting to rot on my 14' vhull. I'm looking at King Starboard it's a HDPE plastic . Does anyone have experience with this material or what do yall recommend trying to stay away from wood.

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[mbullen]

Marine Ply, White Oak, and Mahogany are the usual suspects. Many folks have good results with exterior ply, also.
Avoid treated stuff.
Sealing has multiple avenues, as well. Worthy of it's own discussion, probably.
For non-wood, Coosa Blueboard is the standard...but pricey.

Personally, I've never tried hdpe, but I've followed some folks that have.
It seems the consensus is that it works great for an exterior motor pad but doesn't have the rigidity for an interior boat yoke.
I seem to recall a handful of YouTube videos that address it, too.

It will be interesting to see other folk's experiences here..

 

[DaleH]

I'm looking at King Starboard it's a HDPE plastic . Does anyone have experience with this material or what do yall recommend trying to stay away from wood.

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Starboard or any other such ‘super plastic’ is expen$ive, heavy, shrinks & expands with temperature and has limited to ZERO longitudinal compressive strength … your transom would bend like spaghetti.

It would be an absolute WASTE of time and $$ in my experience … but I’ve only done a few dozen tin boat transom replacements, and even more frp hulls.

I only use exterior plywood, usually a 2-layer build, sometimes w/ 1 glass layer between and then only use Raka epoxy, www.raka.com, as their <$50 kit will do it. It will last a LIFETIME!

See my many posts on transom replacements, like the Star Craft 15’ Holiday model.

https://www.tinboats.net/threads/new-transom-–-1976-starcraft-‘holiday-15’-model.47405/

 

[MattA]

Marine Ply, White Oak, and Mahogany are the usual suspects. Many folks have good results with exterior ply, also.
Avoid treated stuff.
Sealing has multiple avenues, as well. Worthy of it's own discussion, probably.
For non-wood, Coosa Blueboard is the standard...but pricey.

Personally, I've never tried hdpe, but I've followed some folks that have.
It seems the consensus is that it works great for an exterior motor pad but doesn't have the rigidity for an interior boat yoke.
I seem to recall a handful of YouTube videos that address it, too.

It will be interesting to see other folk's experiences here..

Thanks I'm trying to stay away from wood . I emailed tap plastics about there

Starboard or any other such ‘super plastic’ is expen$ive, heavy, shrinks & expands with temperature and has limited to ZERO longitudinal compressive strength … your transom would bend like spaghetti.

It would be an absolute WASTE of time and $$ in my experience … but I’ve only done a few dozen tin boat transom replacements, and even more frp hulls.

I only use exterior plywood, usually a 2-layer build, sometimes w/ 1 glass layer between and then only use Raka epoxy, www.raka.com, as their <$50 kit will do it. It will last a LIFETIME!

See my many posts on transom replacements, like the Star Craft 15’ Holiday model.

https://www.tinboats.net/threads/new-transom-–-1976-starcraft-‘holiday-15’-model.47405/

Thanks for the information I really appreciate it. I haven't ordered material yet just researching before I order anything. I'll definitely check out your post. This is all new to me it's my very first boat and build. How would I know what epoxy kit I need?