Transom Repair Advice

[RED]

I've got a few spots on the transom where the rudder hardware hit, some other spots where the finish looks compromised, and a corner that's gotten a little worn down. I didn't build this boat and have no prior experience with this sort of thing.  What's the best thing to do here?  Sand the affected areas and brush in a little epoxy, then varnish, or is there more to it than that? 

[Brucel]

I would start by sanding the rough spots and corner smooth then use a high quality varnish. If it blends in nice and looks good then you're done. I have no experience using epoxies so I can't address that. I did refinish a fiberglass on wood boat (see Restoring Aslan) and I found I could make it look good with quality varnish and paint. Someone with epoxy experience might be able to chime in with their knowledge.

[Don Silsbe]

I would consider adding a couple coats of epoxy to the bare wood spots.  Allow it a few days to cure before varnishing.  Also, rinse off the blush before applying any varnish., even if you don’t see it.  Yes, the varnish on the transom looks to be rather thin. I’d be adding 3 or 4 coats (or more) of spar varnish (not polyurethane) that contains a UB inhibitor.  Once you’ve applied the first coat, the remaining coats are super easy.  You just swipe it with a Scotchbrite pad, vacuum it, swipe it with a tack cloth, and apply another coat.  Wait a day, and repeat.

[Brucel]

I was hoping one of you epoxy guys would chime in. Using most forms of epoxy (two part chemicals) usually make me sick, head ache and nausea. I have trouble using Bondo, too long or to much exposure and I start to feel it.

I would take Don's advice Red, all I do is scrape, sand, and paint.