tonight I went about drilling a couple of explorative holes in my Norman 17 transom timber to determine it's state. I got a bit of a surprise when I realised that the timber only occupies a very small section of the overall transom.
1. A shows my first hole drilled. It went clean through grp to daylight. I then realised that the timber occupies the area within the red dotted line.
2. From another angle. A again shows first hole. B shows lower edge of transom timber and c shows upper edge where its packed in with filler.
3. From another angle
4. Transom drilled inside the engine well. Very think grp and mahogony.
The timber seems fine, a little dam at the bottom but seems ok at the top. To replace it might be a complex job, might involve cutting away the engine well to get at it etc.
Were Norman 17's really built this way? How come the timber does not go to the floor? What do ya reckon folks?
Looks as though the motor well and side decks actually hold and give all the strength to the ends of the motor support section which is confined within the motor well width whereas later designs of craft have a motor support glassed in from side to side with a bit of lateral support given by the deck and well moulding.
If it is sound - good - leave it alone!
The cost of boating is insignificant compared to costs of a young wife and two teenage kids!
Norman 17 Transom timber ?
Posted - 20 Jul 2011 : 19:23:51
