LUTRA LAKER AND LITTLE LAKER MANUAL
CONSTRUCTING THE TRANSOM UNIT

Start the transom unit after you have all the stations and bulkheads cut out and on the strong back.

Take the bulkhead at Station 8 and strike a line 12 inches either side of the center line. On the inside face of the transom also strike a line 12 inches on either side of the center line (see detail on page 3 of plans). Then allowing for the thickness of the transom brace material (6mm) epoxy and screw a cleat or series of cleats to bulkhead 8. Once the epoxy has gone off, epoxy and screw the transom braces to the cleats (figure 1).

Figure 1

Fillet and tape both sides of the transom braces to bulkhead 8 (Figure 2).

Figure 2

Note that there is no cleat on the side of the transom braces facing the center line. Also it will be better if the tape stops 5 inches from the top of the bulkhead. That keep the tape from being above decking of the motor well and means it won’t have to be sanded.

While the epoxy is curing on #8, epoxy and screw cleats (remembering to allow for the thickness of the transom braces) to the inside face of the transom.

Allow the epoxy to cure on both the transom and #8. Now, on a flat surface, turn #8 so the bottom rests on the flat surface and dry fit the transom to the transom braces. Everything should be in contact with the surface and the braces should be at a 90 degree angle to both the transom and #8. It is very important that the transom unit be flat and square. It should not rock but sit absolutely flat on the surface.

Once you are satisfied with the dry fit, epoxy and screw everything together. Tape and fillet the transom brace to the transom like Figure 2.

After the epoxy has had time to cure attach the transom unit to the mold at station 8.

Figure 3

You will need to use dry wall screws to attach the unit to mold #8 but BE SURE THAT YOU CAN GET IN AND REMOVE THE SCREWS AFTER THE BOTTOM IS ON.

Now put mold #8 in place and screw it to the cleat on the strongback. You will have to brace #8 and the unit until the bottom is epoxyed in place. Use braces like Figure 4 to temporarily hold it in place.

Figure 4

It is very important that the unit be level fore and aft and athwart ship, as well. Take your time and use a long level to assure there is no twist. If isn’t level and flat it can cause steering problems when the boat is completed. Once you’re satisfied, use dry wall screws to lock the temporary braces in place.

Figure 5

Now you’re ready to move on to the bow and the setting the stem…….