Fixing transom holes - - need advice

[GrindKore]

Hi guys/gals, I want to remove swim platform from my boat transom, however this will leave three 1/2" size holes below the waterline in my transom from the bolts that were holding up this platform. My first instinct it to use wooden dowels coated with a healthy layer of 3M 5200 marine adhesive/sealant to plug up these holes. Will this be sufficient? I'm looking for suggestions.

 

[Gelcoat-jon]

Re: Fixing transom holes - - need advice

GrindKore, Hello I've been in the fiberglass bus for 28 years now. Yes you can do it the way you spoke of, it will work, is it right?, no. Stuff the hole with wooden dowl or putty, grind and glass both sides. Grind and fair outside. If bottom paint is on the boat, just sand and brush gel. If no bot paint then you must do gel repair. As far as inside just bilge paint or leave bare. The wooden dowl idea is a quick fix and deffinaty will work. Just not pretty Have fun Gelcoat-Jon

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Fixing transom holes - - need advice

Any reason you are removing the swim platform? That's usually quite a handy piece of the boat.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Fixing transom holes - - need advice

GrindKore, Hello I've been in the fiberglass bus for 28 years now. Yes you can do it the way you spoke of, it will work, is it right?, no. Stuff the hole with wooden dowl or putty, grind and glass both sides. Grind and fair outside. If bottom paint is on the boat, just sand and brush gel. If no bot paint then you must do gel repair. As far as inside just bilge paint or leave bare. The wooden dowl idea is a quick fix and deffinaty will work. Just not pretty Have fun Gelcoat-Jon

^^^^ that's right on the money. I would NOT use 5200 to fill a hole but I have used marine epoxy, marine tex putty or fiberglass. You have the right idea to get it sealed up tight and permanent. You do not need any water leaking into the wood.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Fixing transom holes - - need advice

I would put the bolts back in with some 3M 5200, your holes are filled, it will look like it suppose to be that way and you are done in 10 minutes.

 

[GrindKore]

Re: Fixing transom holes - - need advice

Any reason you are removing the swim platform? That's usually quite a handy piece of the boat.

I want to install a kicker motor mount, the swim platform is in the way.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Fixing transom holes - - need advice

They have kicker mounts you can install on a swim platform, if all you are doing is trolling probably be fine strength wise.

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Fixing transom holes - - need advice

If you go with the wooden dowel, consider looking for a mahogany dowel. I'm able to get them here in Houston in just about any size w/o any problem. I used them on several occasions when building my boat. (Indicated by red lines in pic below.) I also epoxied the snot out of them and then fiberglassed them over. I installed them where the screws would be located for the depth sounder and cable so I wouldn't have to drill directly into the plywood.

Also make sure that the inside sufaces of the holes are clean, dry and free from rot.

 

[roger777]

Re: Fixing transom holes - - need advice

GrindKore,
everyone is giving you good advise. I think any of the suggestions would do. The only problem I have with a dowel is the transom holes must be clean, dry and free from rot as Woodnaut said. The last thing you want is wood (dowels) to rot in your transom.. I personally would take the road 5150abf described unless you want your boat top notch in which case go with gelcoat-jons...

 

[GrindKore]

Re: Fixing transom holes - - need advice

I appreciate the feedback from everyone. Just to clarify, my boat is 18 years old and as result cosmetics are not high on my priority list. What I want is a strong and reliable method of plugging up holes below the waterline. I think I will use epoxy instead of 5200, just makes more sense and will spread some gellcoat fix-up compound on the outside surface to match the surface area.