Plastic Transom Plate for Inflatable Boat – Reinforcement Pad (192/265 x 175 mm)

This plastic transom plate is specially designed for inflatable boats to reinforce the transom and protect the boat when using an outboard motor. Its shape is trapezoidal – one length (top) is 265 mm, the other (bottom) is 192 mm, with a height of 175 mm. This geometry matches the contour of many inflatable boats, where the transom board is often angled relative to the tubes, providing a snug and even fit.

At 7 mm thickness, the plate adds significant rigidity and spreads the motor clamp pressure over a larger area. This avoids point loads that could deform or damage the original transom or the inflatable tubes around it. The plastic material (durable PVC or composite) won’t succumb to moisture, UV rays, or temperature swings – it retains its shape and strength even when exposed to intense sunlight and saltwater over time.

Typically, this plate is used as an inner and/or outer pad on the transom: for example, placed on the inside of the boat where the motor clamps against the transom board, or on the outside under the motor’s mounting brackets. Some kits include two plates (an inner and an outer one) – given the difference in lengths (192 mm vs 265 mm), they can be installed accordingly (e.g., the wider side up or outside) to optimally cover the area. In this specific case, if your kit comes with a single plate, check whether the dimensions correspond to the exterior or interior side of your transom and install it as needed.

Installation: The plate can be attached in two primary ways:

1. By gluing: If your inflatable boat’s transom board is PVC or if you intend to bond the plate directly onto the inflatable fabric (for certain models with an integrated soft transom), use an appropriate polyurethane or PVC adhesive. Ensure the surfaces are clean and slightly roughened for maximum adhesion. Glue the plate in place and clamp/press it until the adhesive fully cures.
2. By mechanical fastening: If the boat has a hard wooden/plywood transom, the plate can be fixed with stainless steel bolts or screws. Use large washers to prevent the fasteners from pulling through the plastic. This method ensures the plate won’t shift and is suitable if it serves as a permanent exterior wear pad on the wooden transom.

Usage and Benefits:

• Protection: The primary role of this transom plate is to protect the inflatable boat from damage when an outboard is mounted. When you tighten the outboard motor’s clamps, the plastic pad takes the pressure instead of directly stressing the boat’s fabric or wood. This prevents dents, cracks, or chafing of the PVC material around the transom area.
• Reinforcement: On older boats where the wooden transom might have begun to weaken or delaminate, adding this plate will significantly increase the strength. It acts like a brace, tightening up the structure and distributing forces more evenly across the entire area.
• Replacement of Worn Parts: Many factory transom pads (especially external metal or plastic ones) corrode or break over time. This product allows you to replace an old cracked or rusted plate with a new one. It’s a small investment that extends the life of your boat and ensures safe operation when using an outboard.
• Compatibility: The dimensions 192/265 x 175 mm are standard for a number of inflatable boat models (including many manufacturers from Ukraine, Russia, China). Check the size of your original plate or the space on your transom – this spare part will likely fit. If not, the plastic can also be slightly modified (drilling additional holes, trimming) to adapt to your specific transom.
• Recommendation: Always rinse the transom area (and the plate) with fresh water after using the boat in saltwater, especially if it’s attached with metal bolts, to prevent corrosion of the hardware. Periodically inspect the condition of the adhesive or bolts – although the plastic is durable, keeping the entire transom assembly well-maintained guarantees trouble-free use of your outboard motor.