I need ideas . . .

[hornsfan]

Near the top of the transom of my Tracker boat is a U-bolt that allows a strap to hold the hull to its trailer. The nuts that secure the U-bolt have worked loose, so that I can move it in and out about an inch.

These nuts are under the deck, and I assume that they are surrounded by foam.

The only way I can think of to get a wrench to these nuts is to use a 2 1/2" hole saw, cut through the deck and dig out the foam.

Anyone ever done this or have a better idea how to get to these nuts?

 

[lmuss53]

Re: I need ideas . . .

I would guess that area is not foamed in. What model boat do you have? If it is an OB you can access those nuts the same way they mounted the outboard. That will be through a access plate in the splashwell or by crawling up in from below.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: I need ideas . . .

Howdy hornsfan and welcome to iboats!

Photos of what we are working on are always helpful so shoot some up when you have a chance.

Near the top of the transom...

These nuts are under the deck...

I am a little confused by this ^^^.

So, you are saying that your deck comes clear up to the top of your transom?

Yah, photos would be helpful.

One thing that may be an issue is the transom might be soft allowing those nuts to come loose. If that is the case you may be about ready for a transom rebuild.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: I need ideas . . .

Near the top of the transom of my Tracker boat is a U-bolt that allows a strap to hold the hull to its trailer. The nuts that secure the U-bolt have worked loose, so that I can move it in and out about an inch.

These nuts are under the deck, and I assume that they are surrounded by foam.

The only way I can think of to get a wrench to these nuts is to use a 2 1/2" hole saw, cut through the deck and dig out the foam.

Anyone ever done this or have a better idea how to get to these nuts?

Yup.. if your talking about trans/deck ubolts .. then you have to remove them and secure them.

Foam .. I dunno without pics .. but I can say if you even have a double nut on the eye bolt to tighten that probably will not work.

Yes.. you have to R&R the eyes ..

Access to the nuts could be as simple as a hole saw without a bit .. or as complex as a grinder. ..

Bottom line is you should replace and secure ALL failed fasteners as soon and as best you can ..

YD.

 

[oops!]

Re: I need ideas . . .

i aint buyin this......

there is a lot more going on here than getting to the head of the bolt.

those u bolts are thru the transom....or should be.......

we need pics......but i think your transom is rot

 

[JDA1975]

Re: I need ideas . . .

My U bolts did not come all the way thru the transom either, they were about 3/4 of the way through, then sealed with some back goo, that was very hard. I guess on mine they drilled the holes, put it in then filled them before fiberglassing the inside of transom. When I replace mine I will use longer ones that will go through all the way.