Transom Install

As mentioned previously, I did not install the transom until after all the fillets were in and sanded. This made it much easier to get in and out of the boat during that process.  (The manual calls for the transom to be stitched on way back when the side panels were stitched on)

Beveled the sides of the transom with a block plane so that they met flush with the side panels.  I struggled for a while trying to decide whether or not to bevel the bottom of the transom to meet flush with the bottom panels/keelson, as suggested on page 65 in the manual - but decided against it.  I'm going to just pack thickened epoxy under the bottom of the transom (and between the 3/4" wood screws that are holding it in place), let it cure, take out the screws, then apply a thick fillet.  I decided to epoxy a strip of fiberglass on the vertical sides where the transom meets the side panels for extra strength as I'm definitely going to be hanging an outboard off the back.

Above:  Tack welded the bottom (between the temporary screws) and sides.  Will remove screws and finish with a thick fillet.