Transom Pad

[Portside1]

I removed the old, deteriorated 1/4" plywood transom pad and refinished the mahogany transom on my '62 Thompson. I have a 90 HP that will be reinstalled. Should I use a rubber transom pad?

[wizbang 13]

A quarter inch of ply with a 90hp was probably moot anyway.
A 90 hp is going to be bolted on , whether to the transom or brackett, I don't see what a rubber pad will do.
Is it supposed to "protect" the wood, absorb vibration or act as a spacer?
Have you used the boat? Does it have power trim?
Pics?

[Portside1]

Thanks for the reply, wizbang 13.
Yes, I think the ply was just a protector for abrasion etc. The transom is made of 1 1/2" mahogany veneer plywood on a 17' 1962 T&T Lapstrake. The engine is a Evinrude e-tec.
I would think that a rubber pad is a good idea on this veneer transom. This rubber pad my be a simple forgone conclusion, I just want others too weigh in

[Portside1]

Whizbang 13, sorry to not answer the question of power trim. Yes, it has power trim.

Other advice I am getting is the problem of a soft "squish" getting in the way of an accurate torque number for mounting bolts. This could lead to problems with the wooden transom over time. Some are recommending either a metal plate of directly on the wood. Any thoughts?

[wizbang 13]

Is the E tec a new engine? What I am really asking is have you used the boat with this engine yet. The "squishyness" of the rubber concerns me more in terms of letting water behind the rubber, which may do more damage to the wood, over time, than effecting torqueing the bolts.
The engine is bolted HARD, I think the rubber is lame.
Better to put back a piece of sacrificial bedded wood, I thinks.
And another thought to a smaller degree, perhaps a wedge under the engine, which will do double duty of letting the engine trim down further(tuck in) , giving you better hole shots, and protecting the transom.
Lotta boats put trim tabs on the hull and fin things on the anti ventilation plates when what they really need is more tuck at zero to 15 mph.

[Portside1]

This is a new engine, 2011. I used the engine all season. I have had no issues with handling or performance. Works great.
I am with you all the way except; "giving you better hole shots....................
Lotta boats put trim tabs on the hull and fin things on the anti ventilation plates when what they really need is more tuck at zero to 15 mph."

I interpret some of this to mean a wedge, mounted wider at the top, allowing the motor to "tuck-in".
"Hole shots", however, I do not understand.
Thanks so much!

[wizbang 13]

Hole Shot is getting up on plane. Zero to planing.
No big ting, I ain't trying to fix what ain't broke.

[Portside1]

Good input, water damage. I can see where it's a consideration. Maybe sealing the material to transom with silicone seal?
"Hole Shot" sounds cool.
Thanks for the response, Wizbang!

[wizbang 13]

silicone, ugh.
I use toilet bowl wax. Cheap, easy to find, cleans up easy.
Use a thin layer as bedding between the transom and whatever you wind up using , and smear the bolts and bolt holes. It will prevent the bolts from leaking and prevent water from wicking up the bolt holes into the wood.

[Portside1]

Toilet bowl wax, hmm. Seems to make sense. I'll take your advice and get this organized. Probably won't hang the engine for a couple of weeks.

If I were to use a wedge, how much taper in 14"?: 1/2"?, 1"? As I said, no problems in handling but the idea fascinates me. Also, I found the hole shot was quicker when I put the gas tanks in the bow. So I am thinking this under tuck might just work well.
I am thinking mahogany wedge, white oak is harder but the crush factor would be spread out and I think mahogany will take it.
Much-o thanks!

[wizbang 13]

I put one on the transom and another on the bracket under the OB. One can always trim up more, but not down. I think you may like the difference.

[Bill Huson]

Wedges are good. Either use aluminum wedges or an aluminum plate on the transom with big honking washers under the inside nuts. At least a 2" washer.

"hole shot" is standard vernacular for powerboats, at least outboards. Kick trim under, WOT, start trimming out `cause that puppy will be on plane quick.

[Portside1]

THAT is one BIG A.. Wedge!!
Got me figuring.