Installed Smart Tabs, Found Water

[keifermj]

I was installing smart tabs the other week and I came across something of concern. I drilled the five holes along the port side of my boat with no problem. On the starboard side I stared with the innermost hole and worked my way out. The very last hole I drilled and when I pulled the bit out I saw water pool up in the hole and very slowly drip. I was only drilling in the length needed for the screw (1/2" or so). Do I have reason to be concerned? It is a 1986 Chris Craft Cavilier cuddy. It is a nice boat, but is not worth sinking a bunch of money into for repairs. Thanks in advance.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Installed Smart Tabs, Found Water

Hate to say it......but the first signs of transom rot.

Somewhere on that side a through hull fitting or bolt is not sealed.
Leave the tabs off and see if it stops seeping water.
Re-seal everything on the transom and maybe you will get a few more years before it all turns to mush.
Once the wood is wet it will never dry....thats the bad part..

 

[keifermj]

Re: Installed Smart Tabs, Found Water

This is one of those questions that I didn't really want to post because that is the answer I feared. The only thing on that side of the boat is a small swim platform with 4 bolts. I can remove that and reseal the holes. What product would you recommend for this?

 

[cheesegrits]

Re: Installed Smart Tabs, Found Water

When you pull the platform scratch the inside of the holes and see what you get. If the scrapings are wet but solid not too bad. If they are wet and when rubbed between fingers turn to powder, not good. If they turn to powder get a rubber mallett and tap it around the holes and the rest of the transom. You can hear a sound difference (usually) from the good to the bad. This will give you a beter idea of what your up against. Before replacing bolts coat inside of holes with epoxy to seal wood from more water. Post some pics so everyone can see what the wood shavings look like

 

[n2ostroker]

Re: Installed Smart Tabs, Found Water

Seal all the screw holes with some 3m 5200 on the threads like you should have used with the screws for the smart tabs. Mine did the same on my 86 Thompson. Some of the wood is dry, some is damp, none is rotten yet. I'll live with it for now. Just make sure things are sealed when you put it back together.

 

[southtexas]

Re: Installed Smart Tabs, Found Water

Re-seal with 3m 5200; they make a quick cure (24 hours I think). Fill the holes, cover the screw threads; you can't use too much and it's easy to wipe off so long as it doesn't sit for too long.