My Transom Well Modification

[Codfish]

I know several have made this same modification to their 210CCs. I decided to check my water retention the other day and sure enough I had half full transom voids.

After looking at the job, and the work done by the factory, I decided it could be done better. I was very disappointed in the black sticky sealant used by the factory. I am sure it was easy to work with but it just doesn't cut it for the long haul. I was also disappointed in the fit of the cover plates. They could be cut a tad larger so there is no channel around the edge to hold water.

I first removed the plates by taking the screws out. I had no foam inserts so had to pull them up with a paint can opener. I removed the water and cleaned the void area, then scraped the black gasket material and trimmed the bumps around the screw holes so the surface would be clean and as flat as possible. I wiped the sealing surface of the transom and the plates with some acetone to remove the last of the black sealer.

I remembered that others had added more screws to the plate so I put four more holes around the edge (1 each side). I passed on the corners and hope that will not be a mistake.

Next I looked at the gasketing problem. I was not happy with the old black stuff so ignored that possibility. I then decided to make an inner and an outer gasket or dam with a bead of elastomeric. I ran the two beads around the perimeter of the plates and let them set overnight to skin over and partially harden. Of course I installed the deck plates first. Mine took #8 flat head phillips SS screws 1/2" in length to fasten the plate ring. My plates came from Cabela's, 4" grey to match the transom color. I sealed the plate rings with elastomeric of course.

On day two I found the gasket beads of elasto to be firm but still plyable. I then filled the area between the two beads with a thick bead of fresh elastomeric and let that skin over for about 15 minutes. Then the plates were reinstalled using the original screw holes and the four new ones per plate. The attached photos show the related detail to go with the narrative.

Hope this helps anyone who has yet to do this mod. If you haven't, you will need to some day, guaranteed.

codfish

[ILLOGICAL GGC]

cod fish
i too am finding that rule works best for me when it is used as a gasket rather than being squeezed out between 2 parts. i created a gasket for the rear floor panel on my 210cc and it keeps water out and allows me to lift it up off the floor without being stuck to the floor.
you may be on to something here. more tests are in the future for me for sure
GGC

[OspreyVic]

Codfish, how much rule should I have on hand before starting this modification?

No sense starting without all the required supplies.

[Codfish]

Ospreyvic, I started with a fresh 10 oz. tube and still have about 1/3 left. I hope it doesn't go bad before I need some more.

Codfish

[blakinsmith]

Good idea on the two beads Codfish. Wish I read this before I did this mod a couple weeks ago in advance of a week long trip. Sure enough, both cavities completely full of H20 on my 03 boat. BTW, one of gray covers was pretty warped - made it a challenge getting the deck plates not to bind when I reinstalled. Anyhow, after a week in the rain and sea, seems I batted .500 - one splashwell dry, one to be redone as H20 intrusion again.

It is a pleasure to read about your quality mods - always first rate....Barry

[Stalker]

Codfish,
This looks to be an old problem with the wells. A new problem for me though. I have a 2005 210CC and am still getting over the smell. Blaagh. I was wondering how your mod held up over time? Also, you said you didn't have foam inserts. Was there just empty space? And if you know this, what is the purpose of the void?

[Swamp_Bear]

The transom well on my boat is a water and junk retainer big time; I can only assume that since my boat is relatively new (an '06) that none of that perpetual brown liquid is seeping down into those voids.

Stalker has a good question; what ARE those voids for?

Also, with all the mods that I've seen painstakingly done on this forum, why is a permanant solution (plastic welding) not an option?

[Stalker]

Swamp Bear,
My daughter was standing behind the boat and got a whiff. That was my clue. It was nasty, I can't believe they let this happen.

[Fishahn]

I made the mod on my 2001 210 2 yrs ago, unsuccesful, they still fill with water all the time. I drain them every once in a while, real hassle and not that easy to open those lids. look like same lids as codfish used, I guess I need to try to seal again! as far as I can tell, doesn't cause much harm/performance issues with water in there, just annoying and extra weight!

[Fishahn]

after looking more closely, my lids are different, I used the clear ones, but same size and brand, I thought clear was better as i can see the water inside without removing lids.

how do you like that Suzuki Codfish? heard nothing but good things about those!