How hard is it to replace the transom? or Does anyone have any recommendations on a reasonable priced place in the Ft. Worth area to get it worked on? We got a quote from a boat dealership of $2500-$5000 and this just seems like that's way to high.

I would talk to Mike at
North Texas Fiberglass Boat Repair
869 Woodrow Lane
Denton, Texas 76205
Phone: 940-243-2628
and see what he says..He will be up front and not BS you..What ever he says is the way to go..
I know that he's not all that close to Ft Worth, but you will get the info you need..

Ditto.

It's very very hard.

remove rubrail & top cap, dig out all the old wood with the cutting tool of your choice, fabricate a transom from 2 or more pieces of plywood laminated together and reinforced with fiberglass, fit it into the shell, glass it in, drill & seal drains, pump intakes, outboard mounting holes, replace top cap & rubrail. rehang outboard.

but people are doing it, check the restoration forum at http://forums.iboats.com

If you have to ask you do not need to try it. Tons of tools, and you better know how to lay glass. Good luck

I would also recommend North Texas Fiberglass. They replaced my transom and did an outstanding job. If you are in North Texas take it there.

birdman,

I know all of this is not what you want to hear, but the advice given is what you need to hear. Michael will tell you the truth. To properly replace a transom, you are into a few grand - just as you were quoted - it is a big job. There are no good options other than to do it right.

I had to replace the transom on my last skeeter and it was 2k+ but I also had a couple of other fiberglass issues done at the same time. The two things I was unhappy about were:
1) how long it took - My boat was tied up for weeks to get it done so I recommend talking to whomever you choose to make sure to get a turnaround time they will stick to.
2) they didn't color match my boat well at all - Granted my boat was a few years old so had faded a bit but still I was told the repair would be invisible and although the repair was very solid, color didn't match which made the boat look crappy.

It all depends on how bad the transom is, if theres alot of damage to the splash well area and fiberglass etc. Took my boat to a guy in Arlington, and payed $2500 but the fiberglass and splash well was in near perfect condition... Just the insides were rotted out. More than likely it's going to be around $3000-$3500. There were some stress cracks on the outside of mine in the gelcoat, and he didn't fix it cosmetically... Just internally.

I know a guy that may be able to fix it right at a discounted price! Call 254-889-3821 & ask for Tommy.

I paid 3,500(Well the insurance co did) to have my Skeeter fixed back in 2003.