Transom replacement question - 28 Sylvan - Coosa Board?

[tm530]

Hi,

I am in the middle of repowering my 28' Sylvan, and I need to replace the transom. The original transom was 1.5 inch plywood wrapped in an aluminum veneer. It bolts in place in brackets welded to the center pod. After 20 years it is wet, heavy, and rotting. My original plan was to have a solid aluminum piece cut to fit, but that has turned out to be more expensive and time consuming then I thought it would. As I need to have the boat back in the water for May 1st, I decided I would just fabricate a new transom myself, with marine plywood and fiberglass.

My question: I have some 3/4 inch Coosa Board (Blue Water 26) left over from a previous project. If I cut and laminate it to 1.5 inches thick, and then wrap it in fiberglass, will that be enough to hold the 370lbs of new outboard? I know they use Coosa in transom replacements on regular fiberglass boats for it's weight and non-rotting properties. Will it hold up in such a small size and application on the pontoon boat?
How many layers of fiberglass mat should I use?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

Tom

[curtiscapk]

I don't even think fiberglass is needed unless your toon sits in the water all the time. I just did mine with 2 3/4 sheets of plywood, liquid nails and 25 screws. I had to beat it the last inch into the transom pan. You can check the rebuild in my sig to see pics. top of page 7. My 115 is listed at 360#

good luck.

[redbeard]

I,m with Craig use the plywood it worked for 20 years.

[tm530]

Hi Guys, thanks for the replies.

The boat does sit in the water 24/7 for 8 months straight, and I am using in in a salt water environment. The boat is also used constantly in a commercial tour operation.

Would that change your opinions at all? Or still stick with ply?

Thanks again!

Tom