Have you ever noticed moisture or dampness in your boat’s transom? This relatively common issue can cause wood rot, corrosion, and other problems if left unchecked.
Not to worry – drying out your transom is usually straightforward.
With some simple tips, you can eliminate excess moisture and help keep your transom in good condition for seasons to come.
Getting Moisture Out of Your Transom
1. Identify the Source of the Moisture
The first step is identifying where the water is coming from.
Water may enter through unsealed screw holes, cracks or gaps in the fiberglass, leaky hardware mounted on the transom, or even condensation.
Carefully inspect the transom and note any potential entry points for moisture.
2. Seal Up Entry Points
Seal these up with marine-grade caulk or sealant. Tighten up leaky hardware as needed to prevent water seepage. This stops moisture from entering in the first place.
3. Increase Ventilation
It’s also crucial to provide ample ventilation so air can properly circulate. Open up closed storage areas located at the transom.
Allow air flow behind removable panels or other covered spots. Installing vents can also help.
Too much trapped, stagnant air leads to condensation.
4. Actively Draw Out Moisture
Use absorbent materials to actively draw moisture out of the transom.
Place vented plastic containers filled with desiccant packs in storage compartments near the transom.
The packs actively soak up humidity, drying the air and surrounding area.
5. Dry Out Waterlogged Areas
In severe cases, you may need to dry the entire inside of the transom if wood cores or other structures have become waterlogged.
Removing hardware mounted to the transom provides access.
Use fans and dehumidifiers directly on the interior to dry it out completely.
Final Thoughts
With the right techniques, keeping your transom dry doesn’t have to be difficult.
Addressing moisture issues promptly preserves its structural integrity.
And taking preventative measures like sealing openings and improving ventilation helps fend off problems down the road.
Just be diligent about inspection and take action at the first signs of dampness. Maintaining a dry, airy transom will extend the life of this critical boat component.
==>> You should also consider reading my full guide on fixing a boat transom here.
