Drain Hole Issue on 1995 Larson 214

[LoyolaCub68]

Hey everyone, I have a 1995 Larson 214 SEI that I just purchased. It is in great shape, no signs of rot or any problems anywhere on the hull and the engine is clean and in great shape.

The one worry I have is that the drain hole seems to have a bit of movement when I am putting in or removing the plug at the bottom of the transom. The last time I took it out, I even saw some water coming out from behind the plate that sits against the hull.

What should my next course of action be to correct this? I have owned quite a few boats and never had the drain hole move around like this. I attached a picture to this post.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Drain Hole Issue on 1995 Larson 214

The type of drain you have is a Garboard drain. It should NOT be moving at ALL. This could be a sign of water penetration into the transom and this could lead to more severe problems. I would strongly suggest you core sample your transom from the inside of the boat to determine it's condition. You do this by using a 3/8' drill and drill bit and drill into the transom about 3/4" -1" deep as low down as you can and at various places on the transom. If you get light tan DRY shavings then you are good to go, if you get dark brown damp wet shavings then you have water penetrating your transom and it will eventually rot and need to be replaced. If it isolated to JUST around the drain then Seal the drilled holes with 3m 5200 sealant, Remove the drain, use a hair dryer or heat gun to dry the area as best and as long as possible. then Goop the Drain and screws and screw holes with the 3m 5200 and re-install. If you find significant wet spots in the transom you will need to consider replacing the entire transom.

 

[LoyolaCub68]

Re: Drain Hole Issue on 1995 Larson 214

Thanks for the info. I knew this was potentially serious, hopefully it's limited to the drain hole.

 

[lcmains1]

Re: Drain Hole Issue on 1995 Larson 214

Thanks for the info. I knew this was potentially serious, hopefully it's limited to the drain hole.

Just had the same thing happen on mine earlier this year, took the old one out and put the new one inwith some 3m sealant. Not a hard job at all.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Drain Hole Issue on 1995 Larson 214

It MAY not be SERIOUS, I am just saying you should do some investigation if you are not sure how long this has been going on. A bad transom can cause all kinds of issues with your I/O etc.. Better safe than sorry.

 

[LoyolaCub68]

Re: Drain Hole Issue on 1995 Larson 214

It MAY not be SERIOUS, I am just saying you should do some investigation if you are not sure how long this has been going on. A bad transom can cause all kinds of issues with your I/O etc.. Better safe than sorry.

Thanks, I understand. I spoke to a local repair shop that eased my worries a bit. I'll be pulling the drain plug out this afternoon to see what it looks like behind it. Let it dry out for a couple days and assess from there.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Drain Hole Issue on 1995 Larson 214

Welcome to Iboats Layola ..

Yes..at this point there is no need to start core samples . Just remove the drain plug fitting...fill the old holes with some marine tex .. clean the crap outa the hole .. scuff where the flange of the fitting is going to mate up with the trans.. turn the fitting 45 degrees .. redrill/pilot hole new mounting holes .. use 5200 Fast Cure ( not the regular 5200 ) .. screw it back on.

Remember that the threads on your plug are Pipe threads..and are slightly tapered ( not like a bolt and nut that you can spin the nut all the way up to the head..) so you dont have to Reef that thing super tight !

That is 90% reason of failure on those types of plugs ( peeps getting a 10" wrench and just turning too much ).

YD.

 

[LoyolaCub68]

Re: Drain Hole Issue on 1995 Larson 214

Thanks for the info. I bought the 5200 sealant and did as you said. After about 24 hours I'll check it out and see if the plug is solid. There were some areas on the bilge side of the hole that I though could be a problem and sealed it off with a good amount of the 5200 as well. I know about not needing to torque the hell out of those plugs, people get too worried they are going to sink

Welcome to Iboats Layola ..

Yes..at this point there is no need to start core samples . Just remove the drain plug fitting...fill the old holes with some marine tex .. clean the crap outa the hole .. scuff where the flange of the fitting is going to mate up with the trans.. turn the fitting 45 degrees .. redrill/pilot hole new mounting holes .. use 5200 Fast Cure ( not the regular 5200 ) .. screw it back on.

Remember that the threads on your plug are Pipe threads..and are slightly tapered ( not like a bolt and nut that you can spin the nut all the way up to the head..) so you dont have to Reef that thing super tight !

That is 90% reason of failure on those types of plugs ( peeps getting a 10" wrench and just turning too much ).

YD.

 

[benjh1028]

Re: Drain Hole Issue on 1995 Larson 214

That is not the factory drain. I purchased my Larson 214 new in 1995. The drain should be flush mounted on the transom.

Ben