My 15’ Gregor skiff needs a new transom. I replaced it 3 or 4 years ago but the wood is warped and cracked. It isn’t soft yet but I’m going to get ahead of the game before I go on a 600 mile walleye fishing adventure.
My plan is to replace it with aluminum tubing and be done with it, forever. Needs to be 1.5” thick and at least 6” tall. I’m thinking a length of tubing bolted in place like the wood one is but with the gussets welded to it and the floor instead of welded to the floor and bolted to the transom.
I plan to use 1/8” wall tubing with a hole drilled and round tubes plug welded in where the motor bolts go through to keep from crushing it. May add a few more plugs down the length to help the tube keep it’s shape. I’ll either TIG it or more likely borrow a buddy’s spool gun.
The real issue is that I read that 6063 aluminum is soft and has a tensile strength of 15k whereas 6061 tensile strength is 32-35k. Problem being 6061 I can only find in 1.5x3 tube but 6063 can be had in 1.5x6 or maybe even 1.5x8. My thinking is to go with the 6061 and stack two pieces together and strip weld them clamped down to the table before installation.
Anyone see anything I’m missing or any better alternative? One piece of 1.5x6 would be lighter but is 6063 strong enough? A good reputable place I can order tubing from would be appreciated too.
ETA. Motor is a 20hp Suzuki 4stroke that weighs 97lb. That’s likely to be the only thing that ever hangs back there.
I replace mine when needed UHMD sheets 1/2 inch thick glued together, cut to fit. Same stuff cutting boards are made of. Strong as steel and never rot.
Osky
