transom cut out

[Pudgey1922]

I’m building my first boat. A Dory 16. Somehow I cut the motor cut out 6” too low. I didn’t notice until I already had the transom and sides attached. Is there a fix for this. Any help would be appreciated.

[OlivierP]

Well, there might be a clever way and you may find better advice, but considering where you are in the build I would remove and redo the whole transom...

[Pudgey1922]

How do you get it cut loose when it’s glued to the stringers and everything

[Jaysen]

You could splice a new piece(s) in there but you’ll need to remove some of the existing to make a lap joint. If that raises questions then, as OliverP said, I’d consider cutting the existing transom out and starting over.

Keep in mind any repair will need to support the weight and thrust of whatever motor goes back there. Might not be a big deal on a 15hp and lower. Might be horrible on anything larger.

[Pudgey1922]

My idea was to add a 2x6 on top of the 2x8 on edge from side to side of the boat. I’d gusset them together with a piece of ply covering both on the inside. I’d piece in the 3/4 ply on the outside. Glue and fiberglass tape all together.

[Buz]

Problem with gluing ply over your 2 boards to make them a one piece transom is thickness of the transom. How far do your outboard's transom clamps open? Enough for 1 1/2" plus how much ply? Dont know about your plans but my transom plans call for three layers of 3/8" to make about a 1 1/8"-1 1/4" transom.

[OlivierP]

Something to consider if you want to minimize the effort, is to install a manual jack plate, some will give you the 6" lift you need. You may still extend the transom to prevent water from entering the cockpit but the extension would not be structural if you bolt the plate in the existing clamping board. Just food for thought.