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1989 Sportfire new cracks in splashwell

TruckinMatt

TruckinMatt

Member
Hello Guys
It's been a while since I have posted. I am on Checkmate number three now. A few weeks ago I picked up a 16 ft 89 Sportfire. She is in pretty good shape for being a 20 year old boat. It has a rebuilt 90hp Mariner, stainless prop and nice galvanized trailer. I took it out last week and just noticed two cracks(less than an inch each) in the splashwell that were not there when I bought it. They are right in the corner where the transom meets the flat portion of the splashwell. It was a very rough day on the lake. I dont know if this just happens or if I am looking at doing yet another transom. The transom seems solid. No other cracks, no swelling, and minimal movement when hanging on the outboard. I just figured I would throw this one out there to see what the popular thought would be. Thanks Matt
 
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Hairline craks in the gel are common on some of the older boats. However, if they were not there before you went out, the transom could be soft.

Pull one of the top engine bolts out and see if the bolt is damp or if there is dry dust coming out.
 
pulled the bolt all looked good hung from my motor with no movement. maybe there were there before and I missed them or maybe I need to slow it down in the rough stuff
 
They could have been there all along. I am sure you will be fine with that lil 90 on the back. Its not too heavy. :thumb:
 
Well the reason I asked is because when a wet boat gets put away for a long period of time it will dry out and the wood becomes brittle.

ill had a good point, they may have just been over looked.
 
83PREDICTOR said:
Well the reason I asked is because when a wet boat gets put away for a long period of time it will dry out and the wood becomes brittle.

ill had a good point, they may have just been over looked.
Click to expand...

I wonder if the wood would dry in a year? If it was rotted and then dried, it would be real weak like you said.
 
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