drain plug question/idea...will it work??

[circlehook69]

I'm currently replacing the transom on my cobia 156. My question/idea is, instead of installing the brass sleeve for the drain hole, I was thinking about drilling a hole 1/2" larger than needed, then filling back in with epoxy and chopped fibers(peanut butter) then coming back after its cured and drill in the size hole needed for the plug...thus giving me a hole that is total fiberglass with no chance of water intrusion. Has anyone else done this...will it work? or should I stick with the traditional brass sleeve?

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: drain plug question/idea...will it work??

I have an older boat that has a transom drain done that way sorta. Its a finished fiberglass hole that's gelcoated and sanded smooth. Works just fine. Came that way from the factory. Even the transom top and cap is all finished, no trim to cover the seams.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: drain plug question/idea...will it work??

when I redid my transom, every thru-hole was enlarged to 2" and filled with PB, then I glassed over on the inside. When I drilled all the holes, I then sanded the edge and gelcoated the inside of the hole. That way even if the 5200 sealing the thru-hull fittings and wires failed, the transom wood will never see moisture

However most brass sleeves are used with an expanding plug. are you using an expanding plug or a threaded garboard plug? if your using the expanding plug, I would still use the brass sleeve

 

[Auger01]

Re: drain plug question/idea...will it work??

Yes, that will work. It is actually the preferred method. You should consider doing that anywhere you need to penetrate the transom, like the outboard mounting holes. When I did my drain hole I drilled out 1" larger, that way I had 1/2 inch of leeway around the edge when I drilled the actual hole.

 

[Mud Puppy]

Re: drain plug question/idea...will it work??

I'm actually planing on doing something similar myself. I am stopping the transom short and the whole area will be glass and resin. Drilling through the wood is why I am replacing the transom in the first place.

 

[circlehook69]

Re: drain plug question/idea...will it work??

Thanks guys for the imput. Mud Puppy, that's a great idea...gonna steal that idea and do the same!

 

[Mud Puppy]

Re: drain plug question/idea...will it work??

Glad we could help!