Garboard drain flange/plug (Bilge Drain) Repair

[Sebago2012]

ok so i was cleaning the bilge area with some simple green , i screwed in the 1/2 inch plug into the garboard bilge drain flange and tightened it with wrench so i could give a good washing of the bilge area with some water and simple green. when i was done i went to go drain out the bilge and had noticed some small telltail of suds/bubbles around the flange not the 1/2 brass plug.... So i decided since i was blessed with finding this problem before it was to late or caused problem i researched here of what would be the best course of repair.

i removed the garboard flange by means of the 3 screws i think #8 screws and it came of easily sealant and all... great.. then i gently scraped what little sealant had remained on the transom and used 100 grit sand paper to make sure all sealant and the area is all cleaned and smooth wiped with a tiny amount of acetone and then wiped with water to make sure no residue remained . And lightly sanded and cleaned the back face of the garboard flange as well.

Now i picked up some 3M 4000 sealant and a slightly larger diameter SS screws the original ones was 11/64 diameter and picked up some 3/16 dia. same length. i haven't done anything more then the prep work. So my plan is now make sure surface is clean on transom hole and garboard flange . squeeze some 3m 4000 into previous screw holes and around the outside throat of garboard flange and backside face.

So any input or tricks or if i left anything out please and welcome all and any suggestions

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Garboard drain flange/plug (Bilge Drain) Repair

I personally would have filled the old holes with some 2 part epoxy or jb weld. Turn the garboard plug a small amount and drilled fresh tap holes for the new screws.

I would also liberally coat the wood where the flange is inserted with 4000 series but I actually prefer the 5200. I would also coat the new screws too while they are being inserted.

All that insures a watertight and tight fit. The plug only needs to be snugged when inserted....stop using a wrench!

 

[Sebago2012]

Re: Garboard drain flange/plug (Bilge Drain) Repair

I don't reaf on the plug when I tighten it I just snug it up with a wrench. I was gonna use 5200 but could only find 3m 4000 and it seemed a good multi- purpose being designed for above and below water line with UV resistance. I thought about filling previous holes and piloting new ones but the thought of putting more holes in the hull bothered me especially when I used a dental pick type tool to check and feel if the original screw holes have rotted and they seem dry and hard.

I haven't done anything but prep to reinstall the garboard flange as I'm taking advice. And thanks again for your advice Bob! Always appreciated!

 

[Sebago2012]

Re: Garboard drain flange/plug (Bilge Drain) Repair

I think the issue to the leak was in the failing of the original sealant as I thought it would of taken more to get the old stuff off... honestly I think it was nothing more then bath & tub caulk ... as it was some what mailable like a silicon base.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Garboard drain flange/plug (Bilge Drain) Repair

3m 4200 and 4000 ...

4000 has UV .. and still the same stuff as 4200 ..

5200 is Permaseal.

If your gonna go 4200 .. might as well go with 4000 ..

YD.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Garboard drain flange/plug (Bilge Drain) Repair

well I think ........ new screws even larger could cut and grab old screw threads and just slice them out of the wood...... That is why I am a proponent of new screw holes.

 

[Sebago2012]

Re: Garboard drain flange/plug (Bilge Drain) Repair

Well now I think about the advice given I think the 3m 4200 is the way to go in the fact its middle of the road as far as permanence goes incase as Bob_ VT suggested and reposition the screw holes for new ones which I don't want to do unless needed so with the 4200 I'll have an easier chance of removing the garboard flange if needed later done the road if in chance the screws loose they're bite.

Thanks for the advice given and suggestions its allowing for hindsight and of course best possible repair.