Traditional Look, Modern Strength: Laminated Transom Build with WEST SYSTEM EPOXY

How to Build a Laminated Boat Transom | Plywood Core + Solid Mahogany Veneers | West System Epoxy

In this episode of Nomad Boat Building, Mark Reuten walks through the complete process of building a laminated wooden transom for a 15-foot Puget Sound sport fishing boat. This transom combines a marine plywood core with solid mahogany veneers on both faces, creating a structure that is strong, stable, repairable, and beautiful under varnish.

Instead of leaving thin plywood face veneers exposed, Mark laminates thick solid wood to the surface. The result? A durable, long-lasting bright-finished transom that can be sanded and refinished many times without risking damage to the core. This method blends modern epoxy construction with a traditional wooden boat appearance.

You’ll see the full workflow, including:

Selecting and grain-matching mahogany

Slip matching vs. book matching veneers

Jointing and panel layout

Wet-out and bonding with West System Epoxy

Thickening epoxy with fillers for structural laminations

Clamping strategies for large glue-ups

Adding a solid wood transom cap


Mark also explains why he prefers laminated construction over epoxy-coated plywood, and how this approach improves long-term serviceability and appearance.

This project uses West System 105 Resin with a mix of 205, 206, and 207 hardeners, along with fillers like 405 Filleting Blend, to achieve strong, reliable glue joints for marine use.

Whether you're building a wooden boat, restoring a transom, or learning advanced epoxy woodworking techniques, this video is packed with practical, real-world boatbuilding knowledge from a builder with over 30 years of experience.

👍 Like the video if you enjoy traditional wooden boat building
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🛠 Supported by West System Epoxy https://www.westsystem.com/

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