Transom Pads

Suggestions, concerns, and what is the correct power plant for your Thompson.

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Portside
Posts: 40
Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2009 8:38 pm
Location: Wisconsin

Transom Pads

Post by Portside »

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
Posts: 40
Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2009 8:38 pm
Location: Wisconsin

Post by Portside »

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
Posts: 20
Joined: Sun Apr 15, 2012 7:34 pm
Location: Seattle, Washington

Post by Dan Salins »

I have a metal plate - aluminum - for my 100hp Merc.
Dan
Torchie
Posts: 270
Joined: Tue Nov 23, 2010 4:55 pm
Location: Alden, Michigan

Post by Torchie »

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
Posts: 40
Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2009 8:38 pm
Location: Wisconsin

Post by Portside »

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
Posts: 270
Joined: Tue Nov 23, 2010 4:55 pm
Location: Alden, Michigan

Post by Torchie »

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
Posts: 40
Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2009 8:38 pm
Location: Wisconsin

Post by Portside »

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
Posts: 270
Joined: Tue Nov 23, 2010 4:55 pm
Location: Alden, Michigan

Post by Torchie »

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.
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