Transom construction

[jashmen]

I have a 1978 36. Is the transom solid fiberglass like the hull? I have a swim platform bolt that is spinning free and I am trying to figure out how to fix it. The bolt appears to be mounted in a block of wood glassed onto the transom. I would post a pic but can't seem to figure it out.

[rebuckley]

Yes, ('82 36DC) my transom is solid fiberglass - found that when I was fixing one of the water tank supports. The support fiberglass was pulling away (inside the lazerette). It seems most of the fixtures are anchored into some form of wood backing that is fiber glassed onto the transom in the lazerette. (I think that is what you were asking?)

[jashmen]

yes, but for the swim platform brackets on the outside. Thanks.

[cdsailor]

Jeffrey,

The transom is solid fiberglass. The swim platform backing blocks are wood glassed to the inside of the transom. Over time the wood gets wet, rots, and the bolts (which are also glassed over) begin to spin or pull through the rotted wood. I went ahead and removed our swim platform last spring, cut the glass with an oscillating tool, removed the wooden blocks, and fabricated solid fiberglass sheet backers to secure the swim platform. Accessing the two outboard backing blocks (aft of the two lazarette water tanks) was a chore. I installed all new fasteners and bedded everything in 4200. Platform is stout and all the fasteners are tight.

[jashmen]

Thanks! I see that now, does not look fun. I only have one spinning bolt right now, and it is a bottom one. My wife and I had a conference and decided to clean and recaulk the bolts on the outside and reinstall the platform and push this project to next year.