Best method for filling transom holes?

[emilime75]

I am going to be repowering a boat with a Mercury outboard but before I do I need to fill some of the holes in the transom left from the old (Chrysler) motor that was installed previously. I have tried doing a search on this both here and on the web, but most of the information has been either contradicting or lacking in detail. The transom is made up of a fiberglass/plywood sandwich. So far most of the info I have read states to fill the hole with an epoxy coated dowel and then fiberglass over that, but some folks say that is not a good way of doing it. I have no experience in the matter, so I am looking for advice.

And a secondary question, what epoxy would work best and adhere to old fiberglass?

 

[jonesg]

Re: Best method for filling transom holes?

My buddy drilled a hole for my outboard but didn't drill straight, the bolt head wouldn't seat flat.

that meant I had to seal it up and drill a second hole almost through the old hole, so just using sealant such as 5200 wouldn't work.

I made a soft putty , more like slush, from plyester resin, cabosil and some chopped glass fiber, put it in a pastic bag, twisted it closed and cut the corner of the bag open, stuck it in the hole and squeezed it in until it came out the backside, then taped it shut til it cured.

A dowel isn't a bad idea either.

 

[backyard mechanic]

Re: Best method for filling transom holes?

We did the dowel fix for years with no problems. Cut your dowel a half inch shorter than the transom thickness. Coat it with 5200 or your favorite sealant and drive it in so there is a 1/4 inch indent fron and back. Clean up the sealant squeezed out before you use white Marine tex to fill the holes. Let that cure and redrill for your new motor. Be sure you use sealant on your new bolts/holes.

 

[oops!]

Re: Best method for filling transom holes?

either way will work......

jonesy's cabosil/ poly resin treatment is known here as peanut butter....do a search....or on the hull extension thread....on the first page there is an index....just look for peanut butter.

the epoxy/dowell way will work also....so its your call....what ever you find easiest with what materials you have.

you can finish with marine tex and paint...or gellcoat.

cheers
oops