Aluminum Jon Boat Transom Replacement Question

[patfish]

I've got a buddy that has an old Sears v-hull jon. The transom needs to be replaced.

So... I was thinking, 3/4" marine ply....

from there, I'm clueless.

Paint? Epoxy? Urethane? Any better than the other? Leave it raw?

Any tricks and tips on attachment/reinforcement? He only has an 8h/p outboard and a trolling motor to mount to it.

I've looked all over the internet and there are only a few billion different opinions on what to do and not do.

Figured that since its a Missouri boat, I'd see what my fellow residents had to offer.

(If you're not in MO, feel free to chime in as well, any and all input is greatly appreciated.)

Thanks in advance.

[taxidermist]

I replaced the plywood in my 14ft flatbootm transom a few years back. It was pretty straight forward. 3/4 CDX will work fine. the X is for exterior glued.

Marine grade plywood is hard to find when I replaced the transome, none was to be foun din SGF, Jop or even Tulsa or Little Rock let alone the small towns. thats why I went with CDX.

I did not paint it or other than with Thompsons weather beater. Totally sealed will not allow it to dry should the wood become wet thru a crack or the bolt holes.

Just replace and use.

Marine grade the only real difference is the plys are solid and not have holes in them The transom spreads the torque across the whole rear of the boat, an 8hp will not have much. Its your call.

[patfish]

Well thank you very much Taxi. I appreciate it...

[VIP]

When I worked at an aluminium boat factory (till 2008), we didn't do anything to the marine grade wood straight from the lumber yard.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Lowe used marine plywood with a good coat of linseed oil. Marine plywood is hard to find and not necessary really, use exterior grade, it will last long enough. Be careful with linseed oil, it is spontaneous combustible.