Early Sea Skiff Transom Plank Replacement

[PaulK]

Hi All,

So I am getting into my ?1956? 30' skiff. One thing that I knew was that one of the planks on the transom was rotted because of a lousy swim platform install. So I started removing the plank last night. Now, I am a professional woodworker so fitting a nice new plank of mahogany to go where the old one was is no problem at all. What I am wondering is if there is supposed to be any type of sealer between the planks or between the plank and batten or between the end of the plank and the plywood strakes? It came right off with no evidence of sealer...but what keeps the water out? I will be doweling all the old screw holes and using new silicon bronze screws.

Did the wood to wood contact keep the water out all these years? This is my first boat if you cannot tell

Thanks!

Picture came out upside down...sorry!

[boat_art]

I use BoatLife 'Lifecaulk'. This is a sealant that stays flexible and does not harden.