Preserving wood encased in GRP transom.

[driver0606]

I have a small speedboat and the transom is wood, encased within the fibreglass hull, probably around 25 years old. When drilling the transom, the wood comes out in apparently good condition, but slightly damp and dark. The is no obvious place for the water to get in, and I do not want to cut open the transom. Does any body know of a product that could be poured into holes drilled in the top of the transom, that would soak into the wood and preserve it, please? I have asked this question before, with just one reply suggesting Bonda, but that seems to be used when the wood is badly deteriorated. I need something water soluble and thin enough to soak in to wood in good condition. I wonder if Boracol might do this.

Thanking you for any comments,

John.

 

[30boat]

A trick you can try is to drill several holes and inject acetone into the transom. As it evaporates it takes the moisture with it.It will take some time but will dry out the wood.Got his tip from and American book on fiberglass repairs.

 

[MagicalArmchair]

Epoxy is what I would suggest, but it will need to be dried out - as I would suggest any lasting solution would require. I would check out here: http://www.westsystem.com/ss/assets/HowTo-Publications/Fiberglass-Boat-Repair-and-Maintenance.pdf

If in any doubt, call up East Coast Fibreglass supplies, or the West System reps (Wessex resins are our guys here, and gave me a wealth of information).

Let us know how you get on!

 

[Fantasie 19]

Previously people have recommended this stuff (other makes also available) - would that do the trick?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ronseal-WRW...=1446046599&sr=8-1&keywords=wet+wood+hardener

 

[MagicalArmchair]

Previously people have recommended this stuff (other makes also available) - would that do the trick?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ronseal-WRW...=1446046599&sr=8-1&keywords=wet+wood+hardener

Instructions here: http://www.woodcaredirect.co.uk/pdfs/Wet Rot Hardener_.pdf

"The wood should be reasonably dry" - so not completely dry (as would be required for West System)

 

[pvb]

I reckon that if, after 25 years, the wood is in "apparently good condition", you may be worrying unnecessarily. I'd find something more pressing to worry about!

 

[pvb]

Previously people have recommended this stuff (other makes also available) - would that do the trick?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ronseal-WRW...=1446046599&sr=8-1&keywords=wet+wood+hardener

I've used that at home on rotten window frames. It soaks easily into rotten wood, but just runs off anything like decent wood. Can't see it would be any good for the OP.

 

[driver0606]

It does sound like a lot of work if its not really necessary and most of the solutions require the wood to be in poor condition, which mine is not. In the absence of a simple solution (pun intended) that would soak into my wood, I agree with pvb and think I will just "keep an eye on it". Thanks pvb. I will however save all the suggestions and information (for which I thank you all) in case they are required in the future.
However, if anybody knows of a product that will easily soak into the wood, please let me know!

 

[William_H]

However do check the overall stength of the transom especially if you tow the boat with o/b motor raised.
I met a bloke onnce whose transom fell out at sea due to wood rot in a wooden boat. He and frieds came so close to drowning. olewill