Preventing Transom Replacement Clamp Bolts from Sticking?

[76SeaRay]

I am getting ready to install new plywood in my transom, have dry fit it, and made clamping 2x4's. The question I have is how to keep the clamp bolts from getting permanently stuck in the fiberglass that will ooze into the bolts during clamping? I have heard use cooking oil on them but then how do you get the hole filled with fiberglass once the bolts are removed with the oil left behind by the bolts. I also thought I saw somewhere on the internet to buy fiberglass sleeves for the bolts that end up just being bonded into the hold but allows the bolts to come back out easily.

Thanks...

 

[racerone]

Do a practice set-up.------I think the bolts will screw out just fine.

 

[kcassells]

Spray with oil, pam, wipe with grease, wrap in plastic bag etc.
Then make a tool to reach in and around with soaked acetone after everything is cured. Foamy thingy, towel in and out repeated.
Will prob need to go back in and sand out a little bit to smooth the sides.

 

[kcassells]

Keep us posted and put up some pics.
Oh yea….oversize the holes. Then after everything is dry fill back in with pb. That way when you redrill out the holes the bolts are in a pb and not the wood.

 

[76SeaRay]

Thanks for the input.. Here are the test fit pictures.. Small dark spots are wood screws used to laminate the two layers (will be taking those out).. This a big transom and the laminated 2 layers of 3/4 plywood is just a tad heavy.... This had an OMC drive so changing to Alpha. Will work on floor and stringers after transom is done..

 

[Scott Danforth]

spray the bolts with PVA and let dry

 

[kcassells]

spray the bolts with PVA and let dry

Suggested brand or mfg?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Suggested brand or mfg?

PVA is generic Poly-Vinyl Alcohol mold release available at any resin supply store. check with the folks you buy your resin from

 

[kcassells]

Post pics

 

[76SeaRay]

Thanks, just checked on the West Marine website and they carry the PVA so will pick that up.... Evercoat Brand...

 

[Scott Danforth]

to remove the PVA, simply scrub with water (its water soluble) If you were here in FL, I would give you about a pint. I bought a gallon and havent used it all over the past 4 projects.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I cut the keyhole first and used that for the bolts that held the two parts of the clamp together; if you're not sure where everything is going to go, I'd just use oversized holes as others have suggested.

 

[kcassells]

Thanks for the input.. Here are the test fit pictures.. Small dark spots are wood screws used to laminate the two layers (will be taking those out).. This a big transom and the laminated 2 layers of 3/4 plywood is just a tad heavy.... This had an OMC drive so changing to Alpha. Will work on floor and stringers after transom is done..

Take a notch out of the very bottom where the bilge drain plug will go. That area will get filled in with PB. Again drain plug area is "wood" free. Very wet area.
Just drill out the appropriate size thru the pb.
Good luck! Looking good.

 

[sphelps]

Clear packing tape wrapped around the bolt might wor also .

 

[Grub54891]

I use Vaseline, I wrap a rag on a drill bit and get the bulk of it out, then a clean rag with a strong mix of dish soap to finish it off. Works for me. Besides, everyone has it in the cabinet.

 

[Woodonglass]

Packing Tape works just fine!!! Besides Polyester Resin does NOT adhere well to steel If you use NOTHING, a light tap on the handle of the socket wrench will spin it free.

 

[76SeaRay]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I picked up a mold release agent. I like the idea that it dries on the bolts. After I remove them, I want to be able to seal the holes with epoxy and I am concerned that Vaseline or other products will leave a residue that won't allow the epoxy to saturate the plywood inside the holes.

 

[Woodonglass]

Washing everything down with acetone after the install will ensure any traces of Vaseline are gone