Bayliner leaking-Help-gctid822221

[alleng8304]

My 2150 is letting water into the bildge. It is coming in down by the drain plug under caulking that has pulled away from transom (caulking around plate where outdrive is located). Can I re-caulk it with 3M Marine Silicone or do I have to pull the motor and drive to reseal. It seems ok above water line. Thanks

[Pcpete]

The there is any gap at the transom plate is an indication of the transom going soft. Sorry. It's common on every brand and not a deathnell. It is however, some dirty, ugly work. You are going to have to pull the engine and transom plates, cut out the bad wood, replace it with marine grade fir plywood and reseal it. It's often caused by bilge water soaking up from the drain plug relief not being sealed. There are several threads in the completed projects section here to guide you through the process and bunches of us have done it and can also advise you. Letting us know where you are would also help us with pointing you toward resources.

[alleng8304]

Thanks I think. It is something that is above my paygrade and I am sure it is something that is expensive and perhaps not worth it. The boat is an 86 225 aq and I just had engine rebuilt.

[builderdude]

To test for a soft/rotted transom: With the boat on the trailer have somebody bounce hard on the leg while you look for movement/flexing of the transom around the outdrive assembly. You can also verify by drilling some small 1/8-1/4" holes from inside the engine bay into but not through the transom. Look at the material that is brought out by the drill bit, that'll be the condition of the transom core.

[Pcpete]

Red Alert! The engine was just rebuilt and nobody noticed or looked for or inspected the transom? If you did the r&r yourself, okay, cancel. However, if you had a "pro" do the r&r then I'd not go back there. It's a standard test every shop I know of does. If I'm correct, that motor is completely supported by the transom plates. Enough ranting.

Time and odor are the biggest obstacles to this kind of job. My computer geek son (#2 of 3 sons), the least likely to try something like this, totally rebuilt a 1974 Glastron 16' including separating the deck and hull. This is a much smaller job as builder can attest. If the rest of the boat is in good shape it's worth saving imo. Especially since the motor has been rebuilt. Once done you are going to know you have a solid setup

[alleng8304]

Thanks-I will try the drill

[alleng8304]

Update-leak is fixed. There was no rot in transom. Recaulk and one boot hose replaced did the trick. Thanks