Transom Material For Aluminum Boat.

[BrianSnat]

When I bought my boat this spring the previous owner was quite proud of the brand new transom he had installed.  Solid oak he pointed out. It's an aluminum boat with a wood transom.  The original transom had a dip in the middle where the motor is mounted.  The new transom is flush straight across, which I prefer.

 

Anyway one of the first times I had the boat out this spring the transom developed a small horizontal crack that followed the grain of the wood.  I installed a mending plate right where the motor attaches but despite that, the crack kept getting bigger and wider to the point where It needs replacing.

 

Obviously oak isn't a good material. What does everyone suggest?  Is there a synthetic material available?

 

Here are a few pics. It doesn't look real bad, but when the outboard is on and running the crack gets a lot wider

 

[Wayne P.]

Marine grade plywood

[slonezp]

Marine grade plywood

X2 

[Fishes in trees]

Marine grade plywood would probably be the cheapest.  Another option might be some of that plastic, composite wood, like high dollar decks are made with.  I have some plastic ultimate bunk boards on my boat trailer and I've been happy with them.  

[slonezp]

Marine grade plywood would probably be the cheapest.  Another option might be some of that plastic, composite wood, like high dollar decks are made with.  I have some plastic ultimate bunk boards on my boat trailer and I've been happy with them.  

Marine grade plywood ain't cheap. I think the plywood is a better option than anything solid because it will allow some flex. The solid oak he had cracked because there was no flex.

[Dave P]

X2 

 

Marine grade plywood

 

X3

[backwater4]

X4 on the marine plywood. Also there is a composite call starboard (I think) Its like a cutting board material. I've used that over plywood on transoms as a pad for the motor.