Stern drive/inboard engine - sealing transom ring

[iflyboats]

I've just installed a new transom core in my old Seaswirl, which has an OMC 400 stern drive in it. I've been doing lots of research and haven't come to anything conclusive. The seal ring has some 20-odd screws that attach it to the transom - I'm trying to figure out how to seal up all those screw holes. Overdrilling and filling with epoxy seems overkill for that many holes but also the most future-proof... any easier ideas? And if that's the way to go - how would I ensure each hole gets properly filled? The transom is only 3/4" thick, but totally filling a 3/16 or so (after overdrilling) horizontal hole sounds a little daunting.

 

[froggy1150]

Without seal and ring I took and coated my screws with grease and then filled the slightly large holes with epoxy (still enough wood for screws to kinda bite). After epoxy was about 98% hard i backed all the screws out. Epoxy should stay put and not come out with screw. Do testing to find what works with your material first. Let epoxy cure for a few days then assemble with 3m4000. Put goo on new screws and push into holes. I used cut coat hangers to push epoxy and 3m4000 into holes.

 

[Scott Danforth]

the rubber from the boot does a good job of sealing the holes since it squishes down around the screw and creates a seal.

youre overthinking it.

 

[Zippys Gelcoat and Fiberglass Repair]

So you went a size too big for the screws for the plate? I'd just get bigger screws. Or you use 3m 4200

 

[iflyboats]

So you went a size too big for the screws for the plate? I'd just get bigger screws. Or you use 3m 4200

I haven’t drilled the holes yet - the plywood is still untouched and the old holes in the glass are mostly filled with epoxy from glueing the transom in. Just trying to plan ahead.

 

[Zippys Gelcoat and Fiberglass Repair]

Hmm. I cant remember what we used in the factory but I will find out

 

[Scott Danforth]

nothing was used at the factory. big hole cut with saw, boot installed, ring installed, screw holes drilled, screws inserted

 

[mickyryan]

seal that wood up good that is more important then anything else, if you are worried about the screws i would use 4200 or pl marine and dab it in the holes before running screws in if not going to drill oversize and epoxy and redrill.