Drilled holes in hull

[SeaSprite18]

I've been lurking for some time now and have learned a lot. I love this board. You guys are fantastic!!

Now, I was installing new B/B lounge seats in my 18' bowrider and accidentally (STUPIDLY) drilled thru the hull. I've seen on here that Marine-Tex is the way to fix this, but I want other input.

The holes are 1/4 and drilled very cleanly. Will Marine-Tex seal these from the outside without having to remove the deck? Which kind should I buy? What other prep will I need to do?

I have a 1977 Sea Sprite 18' with a 1977 Johnson 115 HP outboard. I bought the boat, motor and trailer for $250. New floor and transom - $1500. Motor and Power tilt/trim = $850. New B/B lounge seats $325. New bow seats (did them ourselves) materials $300.


Total spent so far = $3225.00 (sounded like a good deal when I started).

 

[zach103]

Re: Drilled holes in hull

thats what i used. about the same size hole too.. i sanded the hull a little to get that rought surface.. than put the marine tex on it. sanded it down and done.. i think theres only one kind but i could be wrong so don't qoute me

 

[gcboat]

Re: Drilled holes in hull

Marine Tex is the ticket. There are two kinds - one white for fiberglass work, the other gray for metal ( blocks, manifolds, etc. )
Your prep is all important so make sure it's done right. I would apply from the bottom up into the hull. After the application take a piece of wax paper and apply it to the bottom covered with masking tape ( blue painter's tape is good) Let it cook for the required time and you are pretty good to go.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Drilled holes in hull

Cover the hole with some masking tape. This will help prevent any further chipping of the gel coat. Then take a 1/2" drill bit and either by hand or in your drill (if you are careful) and chamfer the edges of the 1/4" hole. This enlarges the area where the marine tex has to grip, and water pressure can not push a larger plug through a smaller hole. I did this on a few screw holes in my MFG back in 2003 and not one of them has come lose or fell out. I used the white marine tex.

 

[Kymasabe]

Re: Drilled holes in hull

I used something similar called PC-11 or something like that. Was a two-part epoxy putty that I got at the local marine store. I had accidently run a screw thru my hull once, backed it out, cleaned up the rough hole, picked off all the loose bits and pushed this stuff thru from the outside. It cured overnight and was good to go the next day. I sanded it smooth so you can hardly see it and it never came loose or fell out.
By the way, it also expands slightly (3%) when drying so really locks itself in place tightly.
Good luck.

 

[BMOLCHANY]

Re: Drilled holes in hull

I would kind of like to hear the whole story. How many holes did you drill and how long did it take fro you to figure it out? I say this because if it was me I would be putting it in the water and wondering where the water is coming from.

 

[rebars1]

Re: Drilled holes in hull

Don't feel bad. I had a friend in high school go like crazy installing panelling inside his van. When he got out, he had screw tips sticking out all over like a porcupine!

 

[BMOLCHANY]

Re: Drilled holes in hull

That sounds like my luck. Its a good thing that I carry guns for a living.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Drilled holes in hull

I just went to look at a fairly new aluminum Starcraft in which someone had replaced the deck and run about 200 stainless decking screws through the hull all around the edge of the deck. I don't think they even realized they were there till I asked why. They ran a load of screws on a 45 degree angle outward to screw the new deck down along the perimeter, most likely trying to attach to a remaining edge. It was a real mess, having enough projects now, I left it where it sat.

I've used Marine-Tex and JB weld to fix small holes, both work fine. I chamfer the edges of the hole, sand it rough and fill. Wax paper will help get a smoother surface.

 

[SeaSprite18]

Re: Drilled holes in hull

Thanks everyone, Now I have something ELSE to do this week.

BMOLCHANY,
I was carefully drilling holes to install our new seats and Wife came out and said "make sure you're not drilling too deep". Looked at the bottom and found 6 holes. I drilled the last 2 shallow.

I found some Marine Epoxy at Home Depot. It sets up in 1 hour, so I'll fix them all this weekend. I'll let you know how it works.

 

[oops!]

Re: Drilled holes in hull

Don't feel bad. I had a friend in high school go like crazy installing panelling inside his van. When he got out, he had screw tips sticking out all over like a porcupine!

sorry to laugh at the poor guy.....but thats funny