should I redrill Splashwell holes??

[thornious]

When I took my boat to the dealer and had a new engine put on the holes were covered by the new engine mount. Should I redrill the holes elsewhere any ideas. I am worried about the weaking the transom and rot???<br /><br />1990 Maxum 90hp Merc

 

[oldboat1]

Re: should I redrill Splashwell holes??

don't quite understand your situation (What redrilling?), but the general answer to your question is -- Yes. Try to fill the holes if you can. At a minimum, just work some 5200 adhesive in the holes until completely filled. If you want to get a little fancier, fill the holes with 5200, and then cap them with epoxy or fiberglass. You are right to want to keep water out of the transom.

 

[blifsey]

Re: should I redrill Splashwell holes??

Thornious, are you referring to the splashwell holes that lets water drain out that or the original motor mounting holes? If the motor mounting holes, they should be sealed as oldboat1 stated. If the splashwell drain holes, I would think you will need these. My splashwell will get a good bit of wash water in it when stopping suddently, etc. Then, when the stern lifts up or I take off on plane, it drains out. Without these holes water has no place to go. Is there no way the old ones can be "uncovered"? If not, I would think the holes should be redrilled and the edges sealed.<br /><br />BL...

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: should I redrill Splashwell holes??

Are the splashwell holes that were there completely covered by the new motor? If they are partially covered the water will still drain. If you drill a new hole be sure it is well (no pun intended) sealed on the inside of the hole or water will get in and rot the transon. Be careful.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: should I redrill Splashwell holes??

Aha -- last two responses were more perceptive than mine. I had a boat with two splashwell drainholes, although usually there is one (brass tube runs through). They can indeed be a source of water leakage into the transom, so it's a good idea to work some epoxy or sealant in around the edges. As was pointed out, water will normally drain OK even if the motor seems to block the hole some -- pretty rare that it would be sealed off. Pour some water in the spashwell and see if it drains.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[thornious]

Re: should I redrill Splashwell holes??

You guys are right it does drain, but very slowly. I just was wondering if I should add another one to hake this faster??? Sorry about not being very clear in my first post.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: should I redrill Splashwell holes??

I think I would do what I could to make the current drain work before I went to the trouble of drilling another one. Make sure there isn't some debris blocking the already restricted passage.<br /><br />If you drill another hole, assuming you have a spot that would not be blocked, you will be drilling a 1 inch or 1 and 1/8 inch hole through the transom -- whatever the outside diameter is of the brass tube you will buy for that purpose. That is a large hole requiring a spade bit or something similar, and the angle might be difficult with the motor in place. Upon drilling the hole, I would seal the inside surface with epoxy and let it dry. Then I would either epoxy the brass tube in place or use an adhesive sealant like 3M 5200. You need to make sure there is no leakage into the transom.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[crab bait]

Re: should I redrill Splashwell holes??

oldboat rite on that sealing the inside surface ( thickness ) of ANY HOLE where there's wood involved.. it's a major gate-way for rot.. ! use the glues he said DON'T use anythin' else.. chaulks & silicones can't be trusted .....they can peel & lift in time..

 

[thornious]

Re: should I redrill Splashwell holes??

thanks at this point I dont know what I am going to do. they are def not draining at all. I will let you know how it goes. thanks