Guys, I have a Porta bote, the one can be folded. The transom is kind of bad and I am thinking about the build a new one. The transom is the same as the one in this picture (At the bottom of the pic)

The original one was built using 3/4" marine plywood. So I was thinking use the regular 3/4" and then epoxy fiberglass the exterior. The transom will be attached to the boat using several screws. It is about 48" by 30".
If some of you handyman can help me build one with a reasonable price, I don't want to get messy. I can give you the old one as mod. Please ignore the foam on top of the transom in the picture, it is for floating purpose and I can still use the old one after the new is built.
And I will be using a 6hp Nissan on it, no bigger than that.
Thanks.
George

ttt

I would suggest staying with marine-grade plywood to ensure a long-lasting re-build. Is the old one fiberglassed? As an alternative to fiberglas, you could coat the new transom with spray truck bed liner (buy it from a paint store, not a hardware store). It might turn out a little heavier than the fiberglas, but probably not by much.

Also, you might try a local metal shop to fabricate you a 1" thick, hollow core plate that you can insert foam or spray expanding foam into. This might be lighter and last longer than wood/fiberglas. Just my $.02.

I would help you, but with a career, 3 teens, school, running a nonprofit, and a gf- I have -0- spare time.

Good luck!

How about I take care of you gf so you can have some spare time help me with the transom? Just kidding.
The original one was just made of marine plywood then painted black, no fiberglassed. The damage was due to water. Way too many times and way too long under water. fishing a lot last year in the lake and washed the boat near the bank. It is all my fault for not taking care of the transom.

Bedliner is a great idea, thanks. but will it be waterproof? and touch but flexible enough for a 6hp?

If you were closer, I would gladly help you out! The best I can do is give you some information, at least.

You don't have to use marine grade ply. Yes, it is absolutely ideal, but it is quite pricey. A good exterior grade ply is sufficient (you can get it at any big-box home store). ABX or ACX is what I would look for. Stay away from regular ply. You might even be able to get a half-sheet. Maybe in the ballpark of $15 here, but no more than $30 (as opposed to $50+).

Don't go with just wood and bedliner. It's not a long-term/correct solution!

Also, there is no need to go with epoxy resin. It is nearly twice as expensive as regular polyester resin. If you were bonding the transom to, say, a permanent hull then I would understand. However, in your case there is NO need for the added cost. Stick with polyester! You want something to the nature of 'layup', 'marine', or '435'... but just about any poly will work. A single gallon will probably work. This will be about $30 (versus the $70 a gallon of epoxy would cost)

So now that I've saved you a good chunk of change, let's get to the process!

With the money you've since saved, buy a few yards of 3/4oz CSM (chopped strand mat). It's about $2-3 per yard and you might only need a few yards of it.

Cut your new wood to the size/shape needed. Brush/roll on some of your resin on every inch of the new transom and let it soak it in, but don't let it cure completely! Resin by itself is very brittle so we can't just stop here.

When the transom is tacky, lay down some of your CSM and roll on some more resin. CSM will soak up any extra resin, but you only want enough to make it turn from white to transparent. Be sure to get the transom 100% covered. I would go for 2 coats of 'glass, maybe 3.

Now, let it fully cure and when it's done, you can paint/gelcoat/beliner/etc and call it done!

If done correctly, the transom will be 100% waterproof and perfectly durable for your application. With the materials, tools (let me know if you need info on fiberglass tools), and your finish of choice, you're probably looking at about $100-$150

George, what does that thing measure? length and width? And do you leave it in the water all the time or just on short trips

He has the 12'6" model. Width is 60 inches.

Here is a link for the dimensions.

http://www.porta-bote.com/dimension.php

Max load is 670 pounds. Won't sink. 6 HP is the maximum horsepower for this model. I believe I'll try a 5 on mine.

EDIT: Folds up to 24 inches wide by 4 inches thick. I'm 64 (today) and haven't exercised in years. I load and unload the boat by myself. HINT: That sucker is much harder to spread in cold weather than in warm. Just got mine this year so maybe that will improve with age.

There was a great yahoo portabote group some years ago. I presume it is still active. It may be well worth the time to join and get info on the transom.

I did a quick search and came up with this post of some years ago. I haven't had a PB for some time but I guess I never left the forum. This post says something about buying a retrofit - it might be the easiest way and cheapest - just call PB and see if they can fix you up. Here's the post:

BinaryBillTheSailor@Sea++.com - 09 Feb 2005 23:30 GMT
Thanks for the update Dan. I'm another confirmed Porta-Bote fan, who was very
leery when I went from inflatables to a Portabote. It sounds like you are giving
yours quite a workout!

From my dealings with the factory, it appears to be a very friendly, family
business. I'd be interested to hear what their response would be if you
contacted them about the various minor failures you have encountered. I could be
wrong, but my gut feeling is that they would do something to help make things
right for you. If I was Porta-Bote (which I'm not) I'd send you a set of new
seats if you told me your story - Especially since you've been such a booster of
the product.

I'll also add that they now have a structural plastic transom that can be
retrofitted to your boat very easily. I've been thinking about buying one
myself. They quoted me about $95. for it when I emailed them as to the
possibility of retrofitting it to an older bote. BB
No connection to Porta-Bote except that I sent them some money and they sent me
a great dinghy.
End of Post.

My PB had the plastic transom.

Good luck.

george, shoot me a pm. i live down the road from ya. pick up a sheet of plywood and bring it by the shop.

I just did the measurement, the transom is 48" on the widest and 45 on the narrowest, 16" on the shortest and 17" on the highest, So a 48"X18" 3/4" would be enough. Normally, it will not exposed to water due to the way it is put on the boat.