TOPIC: 10' 1972 Tri-Cat 3 Restoration

Hi everyone, so it turns out the one boat I own which I thought wouldn't need any major work, does. The boat is rated for a 25 hp but I thought a Mark 30 would be a cool look. However, when I put the 30 on I could see the transom flex, a lot. My guess is dry rot as the seal around the drain plug still seems tight and the transom doesn't seem oddly heavy.

That sinking feeling in my gut is starting to fade though so I'm looking at the best way to fix this. The cap is glued/caulked on the inside and riveted through the rub rail. How do I get the rub rail off and then what's the best way to deal with the rivets? Do I drill those out?

Luckily the boat is small so it won't be a huge undertaking but I had really hoped to finish my other two projects this Spring. And in case you noticed, I just picked the trailer up so it still needs to be adjusted.

I have seen (read here on Fiberglassics) several ways to go about replacing a transom, so I will let the experts guide you to the resources. I only wanted to mention the 3 approaches I saw/read.
1. splitting the top off of the hull allowing full access. 2. cutting the back outside glass off (several inches back from its edges) and replacing from the outside in sandwiched layers cutting the wood in several directions to ensure no week joints). 3. I have seen people cut the top cap gunnels off just in front of the motor well and remove only this back section to gain full transom access...that seems to take goo repair skills as now you have to repair the smooth boat top like it was never cut...I do not have the skills for that, but I see they do it to save the labor of removing the entire cap of larger boats. I offer no skilled advice for the work, but just wanted to get the conversation started on different methods. Now the experts can jump in and give amreame the expert advice.

VERY cool boat with saving for sure. Best of luck.

Mark - p.s. I was lucky that mine was so old, it had no motor well and I had direct access from the inside.

Thanks for the tips. I've removed the cap and transom on my Speed Queen but I've never dealt with rivets before, or a rub rail. I'm going to get into it this weekend and see where I should start.

There's another Tri-Cat I found online where someone removed the cap but the post isn't active anymore.

One project at a time. Just built this stand to give me some room to finish the Speed Qeen.

looks like an easy cap to pop off.. by drilling out those rivets....

Nice stacking job!

Bob