Fixing cracks at outdrive hole

harman79

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 25, 2011
Messages
35
I was cleaning the transom and noticed two cracks at the bottom of the outdrive hole. They are about 2 inches long. I put a yellow dot showing how far they go out. What would be the best way to repair them.DSCN1721.JPGDSCN1722.JPG
 

proshadetree

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 19, 2008
Messages
1,887
Re: Fixing cracks at outdrive hole

Grind them back about 3 inches past the crack. Removing gell on outside Cut a patch out of CSM and apply. Grind back 5 to 6 inches inside and put at least 1 layer of csm and one layer of 1708. In all honesty once you replace the wood and install the transom plate you most likely will not have any problems from this area.
 

harman79

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 25, 2011
Messages
35
Re: Fixing cracks at outdrive hole

Ok a couple more questions. When I grind each side of crack do I want to grind for a 6x6 patch for each on the outside and 8x8 patch for each on the inside. and do I want to grind the crack through or make a v groove. Will I be able to grind both sides flush doing it this way? It seems that I would have to grind most of the patch off.
 

sjohnson44

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 30, 2011
Messages
186
Re: Fixing cracks at outdrive hole

You will want to drill a small hole at the very end of the crack(s). This will stop the crack from spreading further and then you patch over it. By removing the end of the crack with the drill bit, there is no other place for the crack to spread.
May not be the case with fiberglass/gelcoat but this method works for everything else, dont see why it wouldnt work in this case.

Good luck! :)
 

fmeroney

Cadet
Joined
Mar 19, 2011
Messages
15
Re: Fixing cracks at outdrive hole

We do that alot when working with acrylic sheet and alum. Good advise!

You will want to drill a small hole at the very end of the crack(s). This will stop the crack from spreading further and then you patch over it. By removing the end of the crack with the drill bit, there is no other place for the crack to spread.
May not be the case with fiberglass/gelcoat but this method works for everything else, dont see why it wouldnt work in this case.

Good luck! :)
 
Top