Building Orca - Episode 17: The Transom Pt 6
August 12, 2025 · 33 min · 40K views
What this video covers
Louis Sauzedde demonstrates the construction of the transom for the boat Orca, focusing on planking techniques, bedding, and fastening. He installs white cedar planking over the transom framework, opting to dry-fit and drill holes before applying Boat Life life caulk to prevent excess mess.2:55 To ensure consistent application of the bedding compound, he modifies a plastic spatula into a toothed trowel.5:30 For structural joints, he uses Thixo, a two-part epoxy dispensed from a dual-chamber tube, which he further mixes by hand to ensure proper curing.29:07 He emphasizes the importance of waxing wood screws to reduce driving resistance in white oak and white cedar.10:28 To establish the transom's profile, he uses a fur batten to scribe a one-inch crown across the 10-foot width, then cuts the frame tops to match.16:59 He secures the final top piece using number 24 wood screws, requiring two-stage drilling for the shank and threads.25:49
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