Drilling into Alaskan Transom - Now no sleep.

[imported_esoxhunter]

Hi all,

I can't sleep since reluctantly taking the step of putting 2 screws into the transom of my 2003, 20' Lund Alaskan (tiller) this past weekend.

I had to install a transducer and knew that getting the location right on the first attempt was not likely. So, I decided to mount a good sized thick piece of plastic to the transom which I could then use to screw the transducer into as many times as I want without making swiss cheese out of the transom.

To attach the plastic mounting board I first drilled 2 holes right through the piece of plastic. Next, I drilled 2 holes through the transom (ugh!) using an appropriately sized drill bit for the stainless steel screws I used to mount the plastic board to the boat. I used a generous amount of GE Marine sealant (silicone?) around each screw hole on the back of the plastic board, in the holes in the boat, on the threads of the stainless steel screws that went into the transom and all over the back of the plastic mounting board.


Now, I can't sleep. It nearly killed me to drill into my otherwise virgin vessel. Now the worrying about whether or not I've done somethign I shouldn't have or did it wrong is really bothering me.

Can anyone, please, give me some thoughts on this. If I've really screwed up, I'd want to do whatever is necessary to fix it right away. On the other hand, if I have nothing to worry about, that would be nice to know too.

Please... help a brother out!

E

 

[Tcrum5711]

Re: Drilling into Alaskan Transom - Now no sleep.

The only good way to put on a transducer is to use screws, everybody uses them. Using the plastic board is definitely a good idea. No one usually gets the transducer in the right exact spot the first time. Don't worry, sounds like you sealed everything up good and tight. Enjoy the boat!

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Drilling into Alaskan Transom - Now no sleep.

I agree with Tcrum. Sounds like you did a good job.

Like you, I worry too much when trying something new for the first time. And the only way I can sleep is to test it all out and see for myself that everything is okay. That's just what you will do, I'm sure.

And then... you can sleep like a baby!

 

[Old Crow]

Re: Drilling into Alaskan Transom - Now no sleep.

The plastic board is the way to go. You only have two holes in the boat because of it.

If you didn't use it and mounted the transducer directly to the boat, you and I know the holes in the new unit would not match up.

 

[Captain Paul]

Re: Drilling into Alaskan Transom - Now no sleep.

No worries mate. I've been there. You get use to it, as long as they dont leak.

 

[imported_esoxhunter]

Re: Drilling into Alaskan Transom - Now no sleep.

Thanks for the replies so far!

My question isn't so much about the decision to use a plastic mounting board but rather the actual drilling of holes through the transom, below the waterline. Are there concerns that I should have that go beyond the obvious potential for a simple leak (which I assume could eventually be fixed)?

If it does leak, is it as simple as the water ending up in the bilge and getting pumped out? Or... is there a potential for more serious problems? The Alaskan is a pretty simple boat really... so, it's not like any Fine Corinthian Leather is going to be ruined but... anyway, I know I'm probably just obsessing but... it's really been on my mind so I posted here to try to get some perspective.

Cheers to all.

All replies welcomed.

E

 

[Captain Paul]

Re: Drilling into Alaskan Transom - Now no sleep.

I have a Lund Fisherman. I moved my transducer from one side to the other. Theres two holes. Then installed the hunk of plastic you installed, two more holes. Then installed a flip up ladder. WHOA! Had to gird my loins for that one. I used silicone. No leaks. Stop your worries mate. if it leaks, it will be small. Just remove the screws and use more silicone!

 

[imported_esoxhunter]

Re: Drilling into Alaskan Transom - Now no sleep.

Thanks to everyone! I do feel better.

Cheers.