Transom Construction

[carolmarie]

Does anyone know how the transom of a 28 TE (2001 vintage) is fabricated? I would like to mount a Magma grill bracket on it to accommodate the larger rectangular Magma (heavy) grill. The bracket is very sturdy but will generate a lot of torque at the point of attachment. I’m thinking I will have to through bolt it, with backing plate (inside the starboard locker), but would like to avoid it if at all possible.
Thanks for any feedback.

[jmfernan]

While I have a different model (1999 32+2) I would expect construction to be the same- my transom is solid fiberglass, no core. I've drilled in a couple of places (underwater lights and bait tank fitting) and it was solid in both. I would through bolt it with a backing plate as you suggest.
Joe

[carolmarie]

Joe, thanks for your prompt reply. Don.

[Nancy]

Hi Joe --

The transom of our '95 28TE was cored. Probably a good idea to use a backing plate either way. I take it you don't want to use a rod holder mount. I know -- they're a compromise.

Nancy

[jmfernan]

Well there you go. If cored you could consider drilling, decoring, epoxy filling, and tapping for machine screws if the backing plate isn't wanted. Goes without saying it needs to be decored no matter what the situation. FWIW I've had good service from the Magma rod holder mounts.
Joe

[REBMystic]

In the FWIW category - image of our grill (not sure if it's a large one) in rod holder. works well for us.

[carolmarie]

Thank you all for the inputs. We’ve been using the starboard rod holder for quite sometime. Works well, of course. But we got intrigued with the possibility of a stern mount like the Magma T10 and are exploring the possibilities. The arrangement would facilitate grilling from both the cockpit and swim platform and would not interfere with our full camper canvas as well.
After “tapping” the area we are considering to mount it, I believe the interior is not cored. The interior of the compartment is somewhat flimsy and the space behind it is hollow. The outside of the stern is definitely more solid/stable and thicker but it too does not seem to be cored/ fortified in any way.
Providing a solid surface to mount the bracket will be a challenge and I believe involve cutting a whole in the stern compartment wall and reinforcing with starboard, etc.
Not sure it’s a sensible/practical endeavor . Don.

[Nancy]

Hi Don -- it does sound like a lot of work for a few steaks. Sometimes I have to remind myself that improvising while boating is part of the fun.

[carolmarie]

Point well taken Nancy.
Don.

[REBMystic]

Thank you all for the inputs. We’ve been using the starboard rod holder for quite sometime. Works well, of course. But we got intrigued with the possibility of a stern mount like the Magma T10 and are exploring the possibilities. The arrangement would facilitate grilling from both the cockpit and swim platform and would not interfere with our full camper canvas as well.
After “tapping” the area we are considering to mount it, I believe the interior is not cored. The interior of the compartment is somewhat flimsy and the space behind it is hollow. The outside of the stern is definitely more solid/stable and thicker but it too does not seem to be cored/ fortified in any way.
Providing a solid surface to mount the bracket will be a challenge and I believe involve cutting a whole in the stern compartment wall and reinforcing with starboard, etc.
Not sure it’s a sensible/practical endeavor . Don.

Ah OK - understand WRT the full camper. You likely already have seen this, but I have seen some newer express cruisers with pedestal mounted grills on the swim platform. Removable. So you just need to install one of those bases.

Good luck with the project - on the construction side, I have noticed the transom below the waterline does not seem to be cored. I am dealing with blisters and taking the gelcoat off now and the fiberglass is translucent when looking at it from the interior.