water in transom of boat

Question
I own a 2003 Blue Wave boat.  This boat is a very popular fiberglass, center console, bayboat in texas. I believe it's the best selling bay boat in tx. it has wood in the transom/hull. I brought my boat to a reputable place to have a "power pole" installed (this is a shallow water hydraulic anchoring system). When they drilled the first hole in the transom to install it, water began to dribble out of the transom. The installer told me that he sometimes finds moist wood in the transom, but that he has never had water actually come out of a transom. Supposedly quite a bit of water came out, he said about 4 cups. I think he actually placed something under the transom to catch the water that came out. He told me he thought this was a serious problem and that I should contact the dealership. He didn't feel comfortable continuing with the job until I contacted the dealer and manufacturer and resolved the problem.  I took the boat to the dealer (Texas Marine, who is the #1 seller of blue wave boats in texas),and spoke and met with the general manager and service manager.  They both said that it was not a big deal and that it did not compromise the structural integrity of the transom. They said they would contact the manufacture, Blue Wave Boats. That was yesterday. Today I spoke with the dealership again and they said they spoke with someone at Blue Wave boats and they stated that the hull is under warranty and that I should not be concerned with the water in the transom, and that I should continue to use the boat as I normally do. I am concerned though because the hull warranty is only for ten years. I really just don't feel comfortable knowing that the wood in the transom is saturated with water.
I also noticed that when the dealership installed the transducer for my depth finder, they drilled right into the transom with self screws. There is little to no silicone around these screws which are below the water line.This boat is 21ft long. I keep it in my garage and trailer it to the bay. I use it about 1x per week and it is usually in the water 8 to 12 hrs during each trip. I'm uncomfortable with the dealership saying that the water in the transom will not do any damage, I just don't think I believe that. What do you think?

Answer
Hi Robert

Thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question.

First of all, anything that is properly encapsulated within and effectively bonded to fibreglass and gelcoat ought to be protected from any external elements, correct? When the protective covering was punctured by the screws for your transducer, an orifice was created, which allowed moisture or water below the boat's waterline, to penetrate inside the transom. The manufacturer will be able to tell you what type of wood they used for the transom (perhaps marine plywood). Regardless of the type of wood used, all wood will eventually absorb moisture, which creates fungai that in turn causes dry rot, because of the lack of air circulation.

So, no matter what anyone says, moisture or water inside a transom is a definite sign that internal derioration has begun, and unless properly addressed and repaired, it will eventually have a negative impact on the structural integrity of the transom.

My recommendation is to send the dealer and the manufacture a registered letter demanding they live up to their warranty by undertaking a thorough investigation into the cause of the problem and permanently repair it. Failing a positive response, engage the services of a marine oriented lawyer and commence an action without any further hesitation. I'll guarantee you'll get satisfaction sooner than later.

Safe Boating
Ron Blanchet