My new boat, with a Broken Swim Platform Mount

[TkdSilat]

I restored and sold my 16' Aluminum Starcraft and just purchased this 1989 21' Galaxy. Its a clean boat, with a 3.7 liter incline 4 merc with alpha one outdrive. Flood is solid, just needs some tlc and a good cleaning. Nice cuddy that sleeps two.
One of the screws that holds a mount on one of the swim platforms is broken. The swim platform on the other side of the outdrive is solid. I was going to remove the whole platform and just fill in the holes. I went to West marine and they sold me an epoxy to fill the holes in with, and a sealant incase i want to put a new screw in and reattach the platform. I am going to remove the one swim platform, fill the 3 screw holes with the epoxy sealant and paint over it.

Is this an adequate fix to prevent water from entering?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: My new boat, with a Broken Swim Platform Mount

I'd return the epoxy and just use the 5200. It's more than adequate to fill the holes. If you do a good job and clean up with mineral spirits you won't even have to paint. Nasty sticky stuff and you need to use tooth picks to make sure and jam it back into the holes but when it sets up, it will never come out our leak.

P.S. I think you'll miss the Swim Platform. I'd rethink doing away with it and consider Thru bolting it to the transom so it would not have these issues in the future. Just my opinion.

 

[TkdSilat]

Re: My new boat, with a Broken Swim Platform Mount

I am not a big swimmer... the boat is more for fishing and pleasure cruising. The other platform on the right side of the outdrive is solid, ill use that if I decide to jump in It was originally just screwed in the transom... are you recommending to just drill it all the way thru and put a nut and bolt?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: My new boat, with a Broken Swim Platform Mount

Yes I am. You can seal the hole with the 5200 and coat the bolt with it as well. Never have to worry about it again.

 

[oops!]

Re: My new boat, with a Broken Swim Platform Mount

hi... yes he is suggesting that.

but using the 5200 as well....

lol.... sales guys will always try and push the epoxy.

take it back. the little tube is all you need

 

[gatorfan6908]

Re: My new boat, with a Broken Swim Platform Mount

WoG,
I am curious about the 5200 you are talking about. I've read a few posts where you recommended it, and I am looking to do something similar with my transom.

Anyways OP,
I would definitely agree that you should keep the platform. Even if you think it is not going to be used, you can never tell when that day will come and you wish you had it. Plus... you will always look at the transom and be reminded that its not there because you chose to remove it. It might tug at your mind in negative ways, and no skipper is ever happy with regrets. Either route you choose, best of luck to ya and hope to see your results soon!

 

[oops!]

Re: My new boat, with a Broken Swim Platform Mount

gatorfan.

3m 5200 is the industry standard marine sealant.

it is used on just about any boat that has ever come out of any factory.

word of caution... its permanant...lol

 

[Celtichawk]

Re: My new boat, with a Broken Swim Platform Mount

Tkdsilat

What neck of woods you from? Sorry posting and viewing from smart phone so can't view locations.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: My new boat, with a Broken Swim Platform Mount

WoG,
I am curious about the 5200 you are talking about. I've read a few posts where you recommended it, and I am looking to do something similar with my transom.

Anyways OP,
I would definitely agree that you should keep the platform. Even if you think it is not going to be used, you can never tell when that day will come and you wish you had it. Plus... you will always look at the transom and be reminded that its not there because you chose to remove it. It might tug at your mind in negative ways, and no skipper is ever happy with regrets. Either route you choose, best of luck to ya and hope to see your results soon!

[click to enlarge]

3M™ Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200 White. The adhesive sealant is extremely strong, retains its strength above or below water line. Stays flexible too - allows for structural movement. Has excellent resistance to weathering and salt water. Stress caused by shock, vibration, swelling or shrinking is effectively absorbed. Check the bonding and sealing jobs this product can handle for you: fiberglass deck to fiberglass hull, wood to fiberglass, portholes and deck fittings, motors on fiberglass transoms, under mouldings, hull seams above and below water line. Center board trunk joints. Between struts and planking. Stern joints.

Like OOPS says this stuff is PERMANENT so for semi permanent installations use theri 4200 sealant. Same properties except it "Lets Go" a bit easier.

 

[TkdSilat]

Re: My new boat, with a Broken Swim Platform Mount

I am from Cleveland Ohio...
I decided to keep the swim platform... I will re-secure the broken mount with the 5200 by filling the hole and coating the bolt with it... and attaching a nut on the bolt. stuff seems extremely strong and sticky... i will post a pic as soon as i get it.
Just as a precaution, i am going to use that 5200 sealant on the other mounts of the swim platforms, both sides, just for peace of mind to make sure its all water tight, just a small layer around the edges of the mounts should be fine.....

 

[emoney]

Re: My new boat, with a Broken Swim Platform Mount

Always better to use 5200 in ANY hole on the transom (or anywhere on the boat, imho). You have a much better chance to avoid leakage and don't forget to use stainless steel bolts. Might want to go a little bit bigger as stainless doesn't carry as much load, but that way you can be water-worry-free.