THANKS FOR THE INPUT GUYS

[fatboy]

WOW YOU GUYS WERE GREAT! I GOT MORE INFO THAN I PROBABLY NEEDED. LOOKS LIKE THE JET WINS OUT. MOST OF THE RUNNING WILL BE ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER(SAND BARS AND SHALLOW AREAS. THER ARE LAKES AROUND WHERE I COULD USE THE TOP END SPEED BUT THATS ONLY A COUPLE OF WEEKS OUT OF THE YEAR. RIVER IS 20 MIN. AWAY AND IT WILL BE FUN AFTER WORK OR ON WEEKENDS. I'VE HERD THAT I SHOULD CHECK OUT TRANSOMS IN EARLY 80'S BOATS. TRUE OR FALSE?(HERE WE GO AGAIN!) FATBOY

[one4me2]

True for every used boat. Transom and stringers are major structural members in a boat hull. The trouble is that both have wood inside which will rot if exposed to water. ("Dry rot" is a misnomer - the fungus needs water to do the damage). Look for areas where the water could have gotten in. Pump cut-out, drain plug area, holes for bolts, control cables etc. Remove what you can and probe the wood core with a screwdriver or awl. The best way to probe other areas for rot is to drill into the structure and see how the chips look like. Chances are most sellers will object to this. Next best field method is tapping with a plastic hammer. Compare the sound of similar areas. Anything sounding dull or hollow should be drilled. I tried an ultrasound kit borrowed from the engineering department. Cool, but the readout requires a lot of experience and patience to interpret. Anyone have any good methods?
[This message has been edited by one4me2 (edited November 02, 2001).]

[Havasu Hangin']

My personal experience has shown that when step on the gas, and the engine pulls out of the stringers, and crashes back down, then you have problems.
I've been through two transoms. For me, the first sign is bolts sinking in when they are tightened. http://www.goldenplasma.f2s.com/forum/smilies/confused43.gif
Next, look for the engine to jump up... http://www.goldenplasma.f2s.com/forum/smilies/confused42.gif
http://www.goldenplasma.f2s.com/forum/smilies/happy25.gif
[This message has been edited by Havasu Hangin' (edited November 02, 2001).]

[rstover1]

I hate to budge in and try to sell somthing but what the hell.
Tx19 these are great hulls and are quick
http://wsphotofews.excite.com/035/cz/AA/fH/Xv28453.jpg
Here is a shot of the brand new interior
http://wsphotofews.excite.com/027/m0/od/xv/Xx83048.jpg
price is 9500 thanks...