Transom Repair In The Area?

[jay bird]

I am having some transom trouble and need to get it looked at. This is a new boat to me 1992 champion 191 and it got some water in the transom which was my fault about 2 months ago. After some further poking and prodding I do not think this was the first water in the transom and need to make sure it is safe before I take my kids out in the boat this year. So was wondering who in the area does this type of work and also who would you suggest. Thanks for the help Jason

PS I may also need a good lawyer if this boat cost me any more money. My wife is about at the end of her rope with this whole deal.

[mixermarkb]

I don't know them personally, but Championship Marine in Spokane I believe is who I would take my Champs to in the area if they ever had problems. I don't think Kelly Powers is still involved, but from what I gather there are several ex-champion factory types around that shop. I'd give them a call first.

[mixermarkb]

You might also check out the Champion Board on Bass Boat Central. Lots of good info over there on how to use heat lamps to dry out the older Champion transoms after water intrusion.

[Dutch]

I had Tom at Championship Marine work on my boat a while back. They do good work.

[fishinwrench]

Water in the transom? Can you elaborate a little more?

Do you just mean that the boat is "taking on water"? If so it is probably just a leaking livewell hose or pump fitting.

[JerryK]

Dan's Marine in Kimberling City put a metal plate over the transom of my Ranger from the early 80's. It was an old wooden one and it was leaking water through the holes that bolted down the outboard. This was at least 10 years ago and I sold it to a neighbor and it is still doing fine as far as I know. It was not too expensive. Go see Dan

[balsabee]

What mixermarkb said. I would use heat lamps and dry it out for two or three days minimum and then get it resealed. Pat Goff on the champion forum on Bass Boat Central can tell you how it's been done before.

[Hunter91]

Tom at Championship Marine replaced the transom on my 89 Champion about two years ago. They do good work.

[fishinwrench]

WTH are y'all doing to those boats down there?

I work on a sizable fleet of Champions, some dating back to 1978 and run on the roughest water in the state.... all still have solid transoms.

Just curious.

[mixermarkb]

Fishinwrench, the experience you are having with champions is mine, and the typical one. However, some people are putting jackplates on them, mounting transducers, etc, and not sealing holes well. A few of the late 90's boats have also had problems with water getting into the transoms under the metal trim that runs across the top, at least a couple boats made it out of the factory with no glass between the wood of the transom and that metal trim. When the silicone gets old, water finds its way under the trim and causes problems. That's extremely rare though. Most older Champs are very solid boats.