Newbie Filling holes in Transom

[Mako Shark]

All of this is new to me and I've read alot of forums on filling holes. I have four holes on the top of my transom that are 1/4" in size that run the whole way through. I also have some smaller ones that do not go the whole way through that were for the transducer and cables. Because of my location, I have to order everything on-line. I am looking for a vote of confidence in they way I am going about this. After much reading I've decided to use Gelcoat with Silica 406 to thinken it. I'm I on the right track? Here are some pics of the holes. Do I need to use a release agent on the outside or just air dry? When I put the motor back on, do I use any type of sealer around the bolts when I put them in? Thanks in advance for your reply. P.S. Don't mention anything about the water in the transom. That is another story.

 

[danond]

Re: Newbie Filling holes in Transom

Use thickened epoxy to fill the holes, not gelcoat. Gelcoat cracks when flexed. Once cured, grind them down a bit then go over the holes with gelcoat dyed to match.

 

[mike64]

Re: Newbie Filling holes in Transom

P.S. Don't mention anything about the water in the transom. That is another story.

No, that's the whole story. Your transom might be beyond repair, sorry to say. Don't bother with gelcoat or any expensive repair job on a transom that's going to need replacement. At best if it still has some integrity you're looking at patching it up and getting through a season. Cut some dowels to size that are the diameter of the holes, coat them in epoxy and insert. fill the ends with 3M 5200. Or just get started replacing that transom wood.