Bass Fishing Forum - Westernbass.com

Hello All,

Would anyone that has owned or worked on Ranger Transoms tell me what the heck is going on here.
What has caused this?
Is this a major repair?

Please see photos.

Some information
This boat has been repowered with a Yamaha 225 4 Stroke.
I'm not the original owner, i think i am the 3rd maybe 4th owner.
Single console, Bob's Machine shop hydraulic jack plate.

From what I can tell by looking at the pics, you have a MAJOR problem with your transom most likely rotted out. Until you can get it inspected by a fiberglass shop, DO NOT USE THIS BOAT!

On my 03 520 my top cap sits on top of the transom and its flush with the back of it. Looks like you have at least a 1" gap. No bueno. Maybe someone with good insurance will rear end you on the way to the fiberglass shop.

I've known 3 guys with major Ranger transom issues - one being a team partner. Two were shipped back to Ranger and completely repaired. I don't have all the details on the third but repair was attempted locally and I'm not sure if it was ever totally fixed right.

Being the third owner I'm not sure how Ranger warranties anymore...things have changed

Get in touch with Kent Brown. He is a NorCal rep for white river/Ranger. He can help you.

So finally was able to pull the motor and jackplate of the transom. See pictures.

Still scratching my head as to what actually happened.

So what is the FIX on your transom??

I was hoping someone would point me in the right direction.

JBryan wrote:I was hoping someone would point me in the right direction.

At the end of the day you need a professional to assess the damage. You can probably get a free estimate for a fairly costly repair.

monte300 wrote:

JBryan wrote:I was hoping someone would point me in the right direction.

At the end of the day you need a professional to assess the damage. You can probably get a free estimate for a fairly costly repair.

I have to agree with Monte300. Good idea to have a good fiberglass shop inspect your transom asap!

I'm guessing the transom has broken away from the bracing. Take it to someone that works on boats that is good on structural bracing. They will probably need to cut part of the cap off to repair this. I had a new transom and bracing done on a Ranger 372 by Fiberglass Unlimited years ago, but they are no longer in business. I'm sure some one on this site can point you in the right direction.

Call Pat at Braags Marine' send him pics and he can give you educated advice. Those years did have some issues. Dan