What's up, guys?
I'm getting ready to replace the transom wood in my 12 foot Gregor (1977), and I figured I'd start this thread to document the process and hopefully get some good advice along the way.
As you may know, Gregor boats have two triangle-shaped transom braces that are welded to the floor and bolted through the transom. The transom wood is sandwiched between the braces and the aluminum hull itself, and there's an aluminum "cap" that wraps over the top of the transom wood. There is no way to replace the wood without either cutting the transom braces or severely bending the aluminum "cap".
After speaking with some folks at the Gregor factory, I came up with a plan. I'll slice each transom brace off with a horizontal cut ~3 inches above the floor. After sliding the new wood into place, I'll repair the two braces by "sandwiching" them with plates of 0.125" 6061 T6 aluminum and secure with SS hardware.
That brings up my first question...
What do you suppose is the best tool to get a nice clean cut through the thin aluminum transom braces and 0.125" thick aluminum sheet? I have at my disposal (1) jig saw, (2) angle grinder, (3) circular saw, (3) hack saw, and (4) oscillating multi tool. Whichever tool I decide to use, I'll need to buy a new blade for it, so I welcome your suggestions there, too.
Thanks in advance, and stay tuned for some pictures.
Cheers,
~Alex
I'm getting ready to replace the transom wood in my 12 foot Gregor (1977), and I figured I'd start this thread to document the process and hopefully get some good advice along the way.
As you may know, Gregor boats have two triangle-shaped transom braces that are welded to the floor and bolted through the transom. The transom wood is sandwiched between the braces and the aluminum hull itself, and there's an aluminum "cap" that wraps over the top of the transom wood. There is no way to replace the wood without either cutting the transom braces or severely bending the aluminum "cap".
After speaking with some folks at the Gregor factory, I came up with a plan. I'll slice each transom brace off with a horizontal cut ~3 inches above the floor. After sliding the new wood into place, I'll repair the two braces by "sandwiching" them with plates of 0.125" 6061 T6 aluminum and secure with SS hardware.
That brings up my first question...
What do you suppose is the best tool to get a nice clean cut through the thin aluminum transom braces and 0.125" thick aluminum sheet? I have at my disposal (1) jig saw, (2) angle grinder, (3) circular saw, (3) hack saw, and (4) oscillating multi tool. Whichever tool I decide to use, I'll need to buy a new blade for it, so I welcome your suggestions there, too.
Thanks in advance, and stay tuned for some pictures.
Cheers,
~Alex