Filling transom holes and jack plate

[jeffrobean]

Hello,
This is my first post and I have a 1980 Sea Raider. This is my first boat and I want to make sure I am doing things correctly. There are four holes in the transom from where the old motor was mounted. I have read everything from putting epoxy in to dowel rods. What is "the" best step by step method in filling the transom holes ? There are several threads on this and they are several years old and I just wanted to get some fresh information on the subject. And once they are filled is it best that I get a "jack plate"? Does this allow any motor to be mounted without the drilling and filling process?

thanks!

 

[jeffrobean]

Re: Filling transom holes and jack plate

or could I just put some bolts back through the holes with a waterproof epoxy for a fix for now to get the boat in the water?

 

[ddrieck]

Re: Filling transom holes and jack plate

Are the mounting holes that you want to fill a BIA standard bolt pattern? Most outboards have the same bolt pattern and can be installed without filling and re-drilling the mounting holes.

What make, model and year is the outboard?

 

[jeffrobean]

Re: Filling transom holes and jack plate

Are the mounting holes that you want to fill a BIA standard bolt pattern? Most outboards have the same bolt pattern and can be installed without filling and re-drilling the mounting holes.

What make, model and year is the outboard?

It is a 50hp Mercury Thunderbolt. The guy I bought it from said it was maybe mid 70's model. In the bottom picture you can see the old holes. The guy I bought the boat from had a 85hp evinrude which looked pretty new.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Filling transom holes and jack plate

Use 3m4200 or 3m5200 and bolts to fill those holes. If you ever go back to a BIA standard mount it will be easier to mount.

Most jack plates will be for the standard hole pattern....... what HP is that hull rated for? Are you at least at 70% of the rating? I am not sure a jack plate will make that much difference for you ....... it may change your steering too.

 

[jeffrobean]

Re: Filling transom holes and jack plate

Is it possible to get a different motor mount that will fit the holes? I'm just no so sure that I want to drill more holes in the transom that I may possibly have to fill later..............or is it that big of a deal as long as it is done correctly?

 

[jeffrobean]

Re: Filling transom holes and jack plate

Use 3m4200 or 3m5200 and bolts to fill those holes. If you ever go back to a BIA standard mount it will be easier to mount.

Most jack plates will be for the standard hole pattern....... what HP is that hull rated for? Are you at least at 70% of the rating? I am not sure a jack plate will make that much difference for you ....... it may change your steering too.

Could I use Loctite marine epoxy? or is that overkill and use a waterproof sealant?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Filling transom holes and jack plate

Could I use Loctite marine epoxy? or is that overkill and use a waterproof sealant?

That is permanent stuff and if you ever want to get the bolts out someday go hunting for 3m 4200 or order it via the internet