How to Remove an Outer Fiberglass Transom Skin

Scratched fiberglass covering can be seen on this boat transom panel.

The fiberglass layer on the outside of a boat transom protects the inner layer of wood cord within the transom. Removal of this fiberglass layer is necessary either to repair the core of the transom, or to replace damaged fiberglass. Removing the fiberglass skin requires a bit of manual labor, but the use of a rotary tool will speed up the process significantly.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Marker
• Duct tape
• Impermeable protective clothing
• Leather work gloves
• Safety goggles
• Face respirator
• Rotary tool
• Diamond cutting disc
• Putty knife
• Flat head screwdriver
• Sandpaper
• Sanding block

Instructions

1. Measure a distance of 1-1/2 inch from the sides and bottom of the transom and mark a line along the entire diameter of the transom. Place the duct tape centered along the line on the fiberglass skin. The tape should help prevent the fiberglass from splintering during the cutting process.

2. Put on your impermeable protective clothing and leather work gloves. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying splinters or fibers and a respiratory mask to protect your lungs from inhaling the hazardous material.

3. Cut through the fiberglass skin using the rotary tool with the diamond cutting disc. Take care not to cut into the wood core beneath. Start at the top of the transom and work your way down. Follow the line of tape, staying as close to the center as possible.

4. Remove the edge of the tape, then pry up the edge of the fiberglass skin. It's held tight with resin so may prove difficult to pry away. Use a putty knife or screwdriver to get the edge started. Peel away the skin, working from the edge toward the center of the transom until you've removed the skin. Peel away the fiberglass on the edge of the transom, using the same removal process.

5. Use sandpaper attached to a sanding block to sand away the adhesive residue left on the wood core from the resin applied to hold the skin in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a heat gun to help soften the adhesive holding the skin to the transom. Move the heat gun across the surface of the fiberglass right before removal.

• Fiberglass contains glass rods that can be harmful if you make contact.

References

• Hydrostream: Transom Replacement
• Bertram 31: Core Repair - Transom Damage

Resources

• Seacast Transom Repair: Basic Repair Techniques