Transom Pads

Portside · Post by **Portside** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 3:34 pm

After removing the old, disintegrating 1/4" plywood nailed on as a transom pad and refinishing the transom; what do you use for a transom pad?
I am mounting an e-tec 90HP. Is rubber the answer?

Portside · Post by **Portside** » Sat Apr 28, 2012 6:57 am

Further information on this earlier post.
Some guys question the use of rubber due to torquing of motor mount bolts.
The soft "squish" could lead to transom damage over time. Some think the best solution would be a metal plate or nothing at the transom.
What are you guys using? Metal, rubber or nothing? (This is a 90hp.)

Dan Salins · Post by **Dan Salins** » Sat Apr 28, 2012 9:30 am

I have a metal plate - aluminum - for my 100hp Merc.

Torchie · Post by **Torchie** » Sat Apr 28, 2012 12:00 pm

My Off Shore with the twin 35's have a fiber pad of some sort. Harder than rubber but softer than metal. Almost like tire material. It bends over the top of the transom to protect the top edge. Of course these motors are not as big as what you are talking about.
I have seen stainless used before. Get a piece of decent gauge and have it laser cut and bent with a good metal brake.
Karl.

Portside · Post by **Portside** » Sat Apr 28, 2012 5:49 pm

Any concerns about water in between the metal and the wood?
Could a sealant be put between the two materials to keep water out?
Thanks guys

Torchie · Post by **Torchie** » Sat Apr 28, 2012 7:18 pm

As far as I can remember I don't believe there was anything between the metal and the wood, just varnish.
If you feel like using something I would think you could use bedding compound or a thin film of something like boat life caulk. What ever it is that you use make sure that it doesn't glue the metal to the wood.
As I said my pads are fiber and there was nothing between them and the transom.
Karl.

Portside · Post by **Portside** » Sun Apr 29, 2012 5:11 am

Have you ever used toilet bowl wax as a bedding compound? Reportedly it's cheap easy-to-find, prevents water penetration and cleans-up well.

Torchie · Post by **Torchie** » Sun Apr 29, 2012 6:01 am

Never heard of that but It makes sense.
I used bees wax as a bedding compound for a old slate top billard table once.
Karl.