Sometimes your boat needs repair on certain parts because it may get damaged for various reasons. One of the important parts is the boat transom, as it is a place where a motor is attached.
So always try to use the best wood for this purpose. Do you have any idea about what is the best? What are the important factors to consider before buying one?
If not, then stay along; this guide covers a lot for you. Mostly Plywood is recommended. To know more details continue reading and thank us later.
Let’s get started!
Buying Guide To Get The Best Wood For Boat Transom
Before buying the best wood for boat transoms, always check some specifications and pick the right one. Read the details below and make the best transom.
Wood Should be Waterproof to Some Extent
The transom is the area of the boat where the motor is attached, and it is located on the stern of the boat. The transom is vital as it simplifies the construction process of boats. So it would be better if the wood was waterproof. The addition of sealers and paints makes them waterproof.
Check The Size of the Boat
Whenever going for a wooden boat transom, always check the size of your boat first. A strong boat is not always recommended as it will add more weight to the boat. It is suggested to choose wood as per the size and requirements for your boat.
Thickness of Wood
After getting the best wood for the boat deck or floor, check the thickness. Generally, three layers of 3.4 composite skin bonding should work out for at least 3 inches. You should consider composite for coring material.
Best Wood For Transom
Boat transom replacement materials are many, but the main thing is wood. To transom an aluminium boat, the best wood is oak or teak.
These woods are a bit oily and repel epoxy. On the other hand, softwoods such as pine or cedar are known to be adhesive and make transom without any junctures or joints. Use excellent fabrication to prevent the wood from rotting.
Plywood
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As a boat owner, you don’t want to pick wood that will rot after some time. Experts recommended exterior grade plywood for boats, pressure-treated plywood, and marine grade.
Plywood is easily available at the local store, which has many other home improvement things. Try to go for ¾” plywood, which is not ¾” thick.
Marine-Grade Plywood
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This is easily available at the home improvement store and is usually A or B grade. The outer ply is of A-grade and the other side of B-grade.
It would be better if the inner ply is B-grade. The plywood must be 7-ply laminated with most plies made of Douglas and bonded with waterproof, good quality glue.
Keep in mind A and B-grade plies are void-free, and the higher the ply count, the more stable this plywood will be for warping and cupping. The extra plies always add stiffness and strength.
Exterior grade plywood
This is usually B- or C-grade, and from one side, it is sanded. It is available at 23/32″ but referred to as ¾”, and generally thinner than 23/32″ due to finishing.
Exterior grade plywood typically consists of five plies of southern yellow pine with the pies attached via waterproof glue.
While using C-grade piles, the chances of gaps are higher, and as a result, water may enter and sit in them.
Therefore, wood may get rotten. For boat repairs, don’t always use the exterior grade on areas where the strength of wood is not critical.
Pressure-Treated Plywood
Recommendation for Pressure treated plywood is because of various reasons. This type of plywood protects from marine organisms, fire, termites, fungal rot/decay, etc.
Depending on wood usage and climate conditions, there are a lot of chemicals available to remain in wood fibre.
Pressure-treated plywood is simple as the pellets are loaded into a bigger chamber where a vacuum is pulled to remove extra air from the wood.
Various grades of plywood are pressure treated, such as marine grade. But the most famous is exterior-grade plywood.
Regardless of the grade, there are certain things to know when using plywood for repairs in boats. Check the moisture content.
Check The Moisture Content
Plywood pressure treatment uses oil or water-based carriers because of which some moisture is left behind.
At the time of purchase, most pressure-treated plywoods have 20% moisture content, and due to high moisture content, this type of plywood loses up to 10 to 20% strength.
But no worries, as the moisture dries out, strength comes back. It is better to check the moisture content before making wooden transoms for your boat.
During the treatment process, people use different amounts of chemicals due to which moisture is left behind. The only method for checking the moisture content is a home adhesion test.
That is all you can check in wood for boat transom. Not all woods are good for bat ransom; there are certain things that you have to check before starting transom or boat repair. Pick the right wood and make a smooth transom.
