Filling in holes

[Pdf11026]

I just purchased a new to me 195 Bayliner ( I know they are cheap boats with wood floors). This is my first I/O and that is scarier to me than the wood. Just don't know much about them. (Although I did have enough sense to replace the bellows and impeller as soon as I got it. Even got the seller to knock the price of that off the purchase price. I will continue the practice of the previous owner and garage it. Problem is that the extended swim platform makes it a few inches too long to fit in my garage. I am going to remove it and would like advice on the best thing to seal the screw holes. I have been a boat owner for a long time but have only put screws in the transom, never taken them out.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Filling in holes

I use Marine-Tex Epoxy Putty. Easy to work with, doesn't expand or contract, and can be sanded, painted, and drilled once it's set. I think it should be in every boat owner's toolbox. Comes in two colors, white or gray.

Now as for the swim platform, I'll be happy to take it off your hands!

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Filling in holes

3M 5200 sealant. squirt in to hole, cover screw with it, and put the screw back in the hole.

You should post some pics, I'll bet someone has an idea to make it folding or something.

Or you could use some of those double sided studs that have a wood screw on one side and threaded on the other, and some wing nuts. THat way you could just pull it off real quick. I would think you will really miss that swim platform, I sure wish I had one on mine.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: Filling in holes

Would a folding trailer tongue help reduce the length enough to get the door closed?

It would allow you to continue using the swim platform that you will really appreciate having.

In my opinion Marine Tex is fine for cosmetic use for small holes, but I would be concerned with relying on it to seal screw holes. The idea of reinserting the screws after applying sealant, although not as pretty, is a better short cut solution.

 

[Pdf11026]

Re: Filling in holes

I know we will miss the platform we have been using it about a month. Right now the boat is dry stored at a marina but in the off season I want it at home to be able to work on maintenance and projects without driving an hour plus. Any suggestions on making the platform folding or removable would be gratefully accepted. I have never stored a boat outside and won't start with a wood floored one. Thanks for the replies so far.

 

[Purecarnagge]

Re: Filling in holes

sounds like storing it without the platform but then re-attaching it every year wouldn't be the end of the world if you like it that much. I would suggest looking for a folding one though. There has to be an aftermarket folding or modification available for you to use. Preferablly one where you don't have to put screws/in/out of your hull every year.

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Filling in holes

3M 5200 sealant. squirt in to hole, cover screw with it, and put the screw back in the hole.

You should post some pics, I'll bet someone has an idea to make it folding or something.

Or you could use some of those double sided studs that have a wood screw on one side and threaded on the other, and some wing nuts. THat way you could just pull it off real quick. I would think you will really miss that swim platform, I sure wish I had one on mine.

3M 5200 is a great sealant, if you don;t mind dirty little spots everywhere you've used it.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Filling in holes

Here's an alternative swim step for you. www.slideanchor.com It's called the boarding platform, and it looks like a pretty good idea, and it's portable. I've never used any of their stuff, but there are folks here that have, and seem to swear by them.

 

[Pdf11026]

Re: Filling in holes

That looks pretty neat but what the he'll does the line attach to inside the boat?

 

[Daley]

Re: Filling in holes

That looks pretty neat but what the he'll does the line attach to inside the boat?

I wondered the same thing. I'm guessing a cleat, based on where they've hung it off the boats they showed it on. Those seem like they'd be cleat locations.