Filling screw holes in transom?

[Thagan]

I removed a transducer on my transom and I'm left with open holes. I'd like to fix them so they will not leak and rot my transom. I have read about people using 5200 but i just can't picture it being a good repair and would prefer a more permanent fix that I'd never have to worry about. I've also read about using 404 filler and resin for a permanent proper fix. I'm just not sure how to approach this and I'm new to working with fiberglass. How do i go about filling the holes? Thanks!

 

[tpenfield]

If I were me, I would use a thickened epoxy in and over the holes. Good adhesion and water resistance.

 

[ondarvr]

Whatever epoxy paste you can find at the hardware store will work.

 

[fhhuber]

Drill them out to a bit over 1/4 inch
Epoxy dowels into the holes.

Now you have the holes filled and sealed, plus you have the dowels available to drill into if you want to put a new transducer on.

Just filling the holes with epoxy is hard at the size of the transducer mount screws and if you manage to do it, you don't want to put new screws in the same spot ever again.

 

[bruceb58]

I use thickened epoxy like tpenfield uses.

 

[Thalasso]

Chamfer the edges. I doubt the holes go clear through so there is no need for dowel pins or backers. Make sure the holes are clean and useMarine Tex. It's a two part epoxy. it comes in gray or white

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=...Qwg8IKA&adurl=

 

[82rude]

I use permatex epoxy putty.When you kneed it it mixes and fill in the hole or what have you.You could even use the putty underwater for a lost rivet repair etc.Works great and hardens like steel.https://www.permatex.com/products/adhesives-sealants/epoxies/permatex-water-bond/

 

[JASinIL2006]

PC-11 epoxy. Available at places like Ace Hardware and way less expensive than MarineTex.

 

[Lowlysubaruguy]

Simple fix resinstall the screws with a high quality silicone. I have had to change transducers three times every one has different hole locations. I have three holes that have no issues done this way. Requires no sanding drilling painting or enlarging. Ones been in there for 15 years

 

[JASinIL2006]

Simple fix resinstall the screws with a high quality silicone. I have had to change transducers three times every one has different hole locations. I have three holes that have no issues done this way. Requires no sanding drilling painting or enlarging. Ones been in there for 15 years

If you're going to go this route, probably better to use a marine sealant like 3M 4200 or 5200. Personally, I'd never trust silicone for repair below the water line.

My preference would be to go the epoxy (or thickened resin) route. Looks cleaner.

 

[EchoNovember]

Drill them out to a bit over 1/4 inch
Epoxy dowels into the holes.

Now you have the holes filled and sealed, plus you have the dowels available to drill into if you want to put a new transducer on.

Just filling the holes with epoxy is hard at the size of the transducer mount screws and if you manage to do it, you don't want to put new screws in the same spot ever again.

What he said. Plus, if you were inclined and could blend it well, a couple layers of fiberglass laid over the top and painted to match, to make it look like they were never any holes at all.

Or use this opportunity to buy a new transducer and mount it, using 5200 to seal the screws. You'll find guys on here practically worship 5200 for sealing screws. 3M should really start giving us commission...

 

[Thagan]

Thanks guys! I already have a new transducer but of course it uses a different pattern. I'm going to fill the holes I don't need then drill new holes using stainless screws. Just needed help filling the holes.

 

[Blind Date]

Chamfer the edges. I doubt the holes go clear through so there is no need for dowel pins or backers. Make sure the holes are clean and useMarine Tex. It's a two part epoxy. it comes in gray or white

Another vote for Marine Tex - Great stuff!. You can easily fill holes & and drill right back into it if necessary. Done it many times.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Whatever sealant you use, just make sure to really coat the inside of the hole before you completely fill it. You want to complete seal any exposed wood, etc. I like to put a little sealant in the hole, then use a nail or a toothpick to work the sealant into the the exposed interior surface the whole length of the hole. After that's coated, I fill it up and fair it.

 

[Alumarine]

Something like this will solve future transducer upgrade problems.

http://www.iboats.com/18-Lx4-W-Hori...4861469--session_id.484472133--view_id.167628

 

[Thalasso]

Thanks guys! I already have a new transducer but of course it uses a different pattern. I'm going to fill the holes I don't need then drill new holes using stainless screws. Just needed help filling the holes.

Suggestion.
Before filling any holes and drilling more why not use the same holes and mount a piece of starbord on there and when you install the new ducer you won't need to drill any more holes in the transom.

Something on this order
https://youtu.be/ai2U1fgTkeI

Then there is this
https://youtu.be/qTq_kx_wq1Q