Removing transom doubler

[Kez]

Rebuilding a glass mono. Looking for ideas to remove the ply transom doubler. I cannot get to the edge and use a screwdriver to pry it. Not much room for power tool either.

Thanks, kez

 

[Patrick Mulvany]

Kez,

I would take the lazy way out and just cut the entire transom out from the outside then rebuild it! That would be the easiest way for me but I work with fiberglass and wood regularly..

Later!!

Pat

 

[bzubee]

Use one of those multi-tools with a cutting blade they will cut through 1/2 inch wood in nothing flat.

 

[Mark Bullard]

Remove the layer of glass that covers the plywood on the inside. Tape all transom holes. Stand boat up and fill the transom with water. Let it soak for a few days replacing the water as needed. The plywood should soften up and you should be able to remove it easy by digging it out.

 

[Kez]

Hi Pat, I prefer to preserve the boat as much as possible so cutting out the transom is the very last resort.

Mark and Bill, I ended up combining your ideas. I cannot get to the edge of the ply doubler with any power tools. What I have done is to use the multi tool with a wood bit and cut slots on the doubler. I am going to find a bucket large enough and immerse the rear end of the boat and let the water soak into the wood. Using water to do the work is an interesting idea that I think will work.

Thank you all for your replies.

kez

 

[Daniel's Racing]

You need a couple dozen really hungry termites.

You could almost certainly use a 2" roloc #24 or #40 grit sanding disc and it will eat the wood out pretty quickly. They cut pretty aggressively but it still isn't hard to sneak up on the fiberglass and get the wood completely gone without completely weakening the fiberglass.

If the water does soften the wood up it would probably grind away even quicker with less to dust to breathe and going everywhere. ????

You could sandwich a layer of fiberglass matt in there instead of trying to get it really smoothed out when you put the wood back or maybe build up several layers of just glass and skip the wood altogether.

 

[Kez]

You need a couple dozen really hungry termites.

There is no room to get at the entire transom with a sanding disc unless I can find some kind of flex cable attachment. I do plan on sandwiching a layer of matte and I bond a new transom doubler. I like the idea of using just glass and may give it a try eventually. I have found that no matter how carefully I seal the wood, water and oil will eventually find its way into the wood. Same goes for the wooden rails.

Thanks, kez

 

[Daniel's Racing]

I knew you said it was cramped and no room for tool. Was just thinking maybe right angle die grinder could maybe sneak in. Radio box or other bulkhead is too close ?

Maybe just encapsulating the wood with a couple layers of matt would work for you ?

They claim to have penetrating resins that will make soft wood back to usable..

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=97636&familyName=TotalBoat+Penetrating+Epoxy+Kits