troll plate removal

[chewyj]

A few years back, I installed a permenant spring loaded troll plate on my 70hp merc. I had to drill holes in the same area that the finned zinc is also attached to.<br /><br />I assumed I would never add a kicker, so I was ok with drilling the holes. Now I have just installed my kicker w/bracket and have no need for the troll plate. <br /><br />Here's where the question comes. Do I remove it and leave the holes open, or should I remove and then just reinstall the bolts? If I do this, it a stainless steel bolt (like what it has now) ok, or should I use something else.<br /><br />Thanks for any guidance

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: troll plate removal

I removed my trolling plate over 10 years ago. I put a piece of tape on the underside of the holes and filled them with epoxy resin. After it cured I sanded a little and painted w/ Mercury spray paint. Still looks great after 10 years.

 

[madmarlin]

Re: troll plate removal

Another option to resin is stuff called Devcon you can get Aluminuim, S/S, or mild steel. It sets hard as steel and can be sanded, painted etc. I use it at work in some pretty ordinary environments and it works great. Have used it on my tinny to fill pitting on the fore deck and hasen't looked like coming of yet.

 

[chewyj]

Re: troll plate removal

Where can this stuff be purchased?<br /><br />Is it easy to work with, or are we talking I have to melt it down and fill in the holes.

 

[madmarlin]

Re: troll plate removal

Not sure where in States but in Aus we get it from Blackwoods which is big hardware store it's like a putty has two parts just mix together and apply as you would a putty.

 

[erniex]

Re: troll plate removal

Marine-Tex (available at most marine dealers) or JB Weld (from any auto parts store)would work fine. Similar to Devcon but may be easier to find.