Transom is leaking

[scrit9mm]

I rebuilt the transom in my 14' DuraCraft and when I water tested it I noticed there was a small amount of water seeping through the transom screws. There are 3 screws that go through the transom that are under the water line. When drilling the holes through the new transom wood I got the angles a little off so the head of the screws are not seated fully on the outside of the transom.

Removing the wood to drill new holes is not an option. What product would anyone recommend to put over the screw heads that would fill the gap, such as JB Weld?

 

[Philster]

Re: Transom is leaking

Well, doubt anyone will recommend that, but expect someone to explain how to get wood in there and probably resin/epoxy for underwater use.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Transom is leaking

Just take the screws out one at a time and seal underneath the heads. You'd probably be fine with 5200 or even some heavy duty rubber washers. Piece of cake.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Transom is leaking

Just take the screws out one at a time and seal underneath the heads. You'd probably be fine with 5200 or even some heavy duty rubber washers. Piece of cake.

Ayuh,.... 5200 would be what I'd be reachin' for....

 

[Philster]

Re: Transom is leaking

Should he back the screws out and put 5200 in the holes?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Transom is leaking

x3 on the 3M 5200. Pretty much exactly what it's made for. You should be able to get a toothpaste sized tube from Lowes/HD and even a lot of auto parts stores, for about $6-$7. It can take several days to fully cure, but once it does it stays flexible, but very strong.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Transom is leaking

Should he back the screws out and put 5200 in the holes?

Ya mon. I love john boats.

 

[scrit9mm]

Re: Transom is leaking

What exactly is 5200?

How appropriate for Bond-o to respond to this topic!!

I am able to back the screw's out a little but I didnt want to remove them all the way. I may have to.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Transom is leaking

Lowes or HD have rubber fender washers. I would use a metal washer, rubber fender washer and 3M 5200. since the screw heads aren't flat against the transom the metal washer will still force a seal with the rubber. 5200 just seals the deal.

 

[Philster]

Re: Transom is leaking

What exactly is 5200?

How appropriate for Bond-o to respond to this topic!!

I am able to back the screw's out a little but I didnt want to remove them all the way. I may have to.

5200 sets up in 24 hours and is approved as a polyurethane adhesive for underwater use, including salt, and it is flexible enough. I would vote to back the screws out if you can. That's where it's going to do its best work: on all that surface area of the screws.

 

[boyoboy]

Re: Transom is leaking

Walmart -- http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=16351035 - - same as 3M 5200

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Transom is leaking

3M 5200 is a marine caulk, sealant and adhesive that works great for virtually all jobs above and below the water line. It dries white, tough, flexible and UV resistant. It is pretty gloopy, however so have some acetone handy to clean up with. The regular 5200 can take several days, even up to a week to fully cure, but they also make a fast curing version that sets up in about 24 hrs. Whatever you use the 5200 on ain't gonna come apart very easily once it sets up, which is good, but bear that in mind.

 

[scrit9mm]

Re: Transom is leaking

thanks! 5200 it is. I will back each screw out and apply the product then tighten the screw down.

 

[Rockmere1]

Re: Transom is leaking

Count me in for 5200! Great stuff, will easily do that job

 

[lncoop]

Re: Transom is leaking

Did I mention I love john boats?

 

[tomdinwv]

Re: Transom is leaking

I wonder how incoop feels about john boats. Hmmm, we may never know. LOL

 

[mwassman]

Re: Transom is leaking

I agree with every one on the 5200. It worked great when i rebuilt my transom on my old alumacraft, be sure to put dome large washers. I used stainless 3/8" hex head bolts with a small washer on top of a fender washer on the outside and the same washers on the inside with a stainless nylon lock nut on the inside and of coatse 5200 all in the hole

 

[scrit9mm]

Re: Transom is leaking

I was able to back out a couple of the bolts to apply the 5200 to the threads themself, the other ones I just put the 5200 around the head.

Took the boat out yesterday for 6+ hours, besides the water from the anchor it was bone dry!!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Transom is leaking

Marine Tex would be an excellant alternative.