Updated October 26, 2026
How surveys describe it
Wording varies by surveyor. Illustrative examples (not quoted from any real survey):
- “Elevated moisture readings in the transom around the drive.”
- “Transom flexes under load.”
What it is
The transom carries the engine or drive, and many are cored with plywood. Water entering through fasteners can rot the core, weakening the transom.
How serious it is
A rotten transom is a structural problem and an expensive repair, often requiring the engines or drive to come out. Owner-reported costs run from a few thousand dollars to around $20,000 for a larger boat.[1]
In our reports this usually lands under Negotiate. Your survey's details decide.
What it typically costs
| Scope | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Typical job | $3,500–$20,000 |
These are whole-job ranges drawn from published figures.[1]
- Includes removing and reinstalling engines or drive
- Rot spreading into stringers adds cost
Estimates to help you frame a conversation with a yard, not quotes. Real prices depend on the boat, the yard, access and what's found once work starts. Confirm with your surveyor or a qualified yard.
What to ask your surveyor or yard
- Is the transom soft or flexing, or only reading high on the meter?
- Has rot spread into the stringers?
- Has the transom been repaired before?
Have your survey already?
Upload it and get every finding sorted into fix, negotiate, watch or ignore, with the surveyor's page and words beside each one.
Get a free previewSources
- 99 Monterey 276 transom replacement, iboats forums (owner reports). Boat owners' reported prices. Accessed 2026-10-26.