Sealing small hole in transom

[muskrat808]

Hi- Replacing transducer mount on aluminum Starcraft and previous owner drilled one too many holes and sealed with adhesive . What is best way to permanently seal a small # 8-10 / screwhole ? Screw with adhesive ? Some kind of aluminum hull sealer ? Thanks

 

[robert graham]

Re: Sealing small hole in transom

Maybe just stick some silicone in the hole then put the screw in it. The transducer screws on my aluminum jon boat go all the way through the 100" thick aluminum and I seal them inside and outside with clear silicone...never leaked so far! I've also used a small stainless steel screw and nut to seal hole in my aluminum canoe...still no leaks!.... lots of ways to skin that cat!

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Sealing small hole in transom

I`d probably use something a little more permanent that silicone caulk, such as an epoxy or a boat specific caulking designed for below waterline use.

 

[Hank496]

Re: Sealing small hole in transom

If you have access to closed end aluminum pop rivets, a rivet with two aluminum washers and a healthy does of a permanent caulk will do the job. If you can't get the rivets, get an aluminum bolt and nut and do the same thing, just round the thread end down so the nut won't back off.

 

[Philster]

Re: Sealing small hole in transom

5200 sealant with the rivet or screw

 

[Solittle]

Re: Sealing small hole in transom

Marine Tex - two part epoxy and cures like steel.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Sealing small hole in transom

Do not use silicone and epoxy is not the best solution for aluminum......
as philster said 4200 or 5200 and a screw or rivet.... for that matter for a small hole under 1/4"the 4200/5200 is fine by itself if you need it flush.
If you want the ultimate (extreme overkill) fix take it to a welding shop and have it welded


ps robert grahm, I've never seen a boat with a 100" thick hull..... must be a heck of a boat LOL

 

[5150abf]

Re: Sealing small hole in transom

When I painted my boat 2 years ago I filled all the holes in the transom with JB Weld then sanded them down and painted and it has held up really well but the easiest fix is 5200 and a stainless screw.

 

[giericd]

Re: Sealing small hole in transom

I have to agree with the 5200 and screw! that 5200 is amazing stuff

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Sealing small hole in transom

When I painted my boat 2 years ago I filled all the holes in the transom with JB Weld then sanded them down and painted and it has held up really well but the easiest fix is 5200 and a stainless screw.

I filled a number of necessary holes in my transom with JB Weld also. I used little squares of aluminum flashing on the inside to act as a "backer". That allowed me to sand it smooth on the outside with the plug of epoxy "popping".

 

[Philster]

Re: Sealing small hole in transom

JB is good, too, but where flex might be an issue, JB Weld's strength (being very rigid/solid) might work against it.

But in most cases, it'd be fine.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Sealing small hole in transom

Do not use silicone and epoxy is not the best solution for aluminum......
as philster said 4200 or 5200 and a screw or rivet.... for that matter for a small hole under 1/4"the 4200/5200 is fine by itself if you need it flush.
If you want the ultimate (extreme overkill) fix take it to a welding shop and have it welded


ps robert grahm, I've never seen a boat with a 100" thick hull..... must be a heck of a boat LOL

Yep, it's a really thick hull!: .100" is closer!