Lip broken off transom drain tube - options?

[Iroc-Sea]

Hey all, have an ‘83 Cobia Sportster, 18’ I/O bow rider. Recently found that the lip of the drain tube is broken off (see pic). I would gladly replace with a new brass tube but it’s impossible to get at the bilge side of the tube with the engine in the way.

Looking for an option to repair/replace the tube from the outside of the boat. Would it be possible to install a garboard style drain within the existing tube since the existing tube lip is missing and it would sit flush on transom?

Any other options?

Thanks in advance!

-John

 

[chevymaher]

Drain Plug, Bronze

 

[Chris1956]

A bronze garboard (threaded) fitting installs from the outside with 3 screws. That should be a good replacement. Make sure to seal the exposed part of the transom before installing it. Polyester or epoxy resin is best to seal the thickness of the transom. silicone caulk is acceptable to seal the garboard fitting.

 

[flashback]

There's some indication of swelling around the area as well so inspect for rot but yes the fitting mentioned above would be a good choice..

 

[chevymaher]

The correct sealant for putting it in.

Sites-WestMarine-Site

West Marine

www.westmarine.com

 

[Iroc-Sea]

A bronze garboard (threaded) fitting installs from the outside with 3 screws. That should be a good replacement. Make sure to seal the exposed part of the transom before installing it. Polyester or epoxy resin is best to seal the thickness of the transom. silicone caulk is acceptable to seal the garboard fitting.

Thanks so much for the responses!

For the epoxy resin, would I just seal the small outer edge where the lip is missing/transom is exposed or should I be (attempting) removing the brass tube and sealing the entire surface of the whole through the transom?

Then apply the 4200 to where the garboard drain contacts the existing tube and in the penetrations for screw holes?

Thanks!

 

[Chris1956]

You will need to dry fit the garboard drain and see if the hole matches. You may need to drill out part of the brass tube, as Garboard drains often have a projection into the transom. Also, some Garboard drain fittings are hollow, obviously on the inside part of the flange. I think the solid ones are a bit better.

 

[flashback]

Your better off removing the old tube then you can determine the condition of the transom. You may find you have nothing solid in that area.

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

The stress cracking in the gelcoat leads me to suspect some possible transom issues starting. My boat had this problem (albeit much worse) and my transom was shot.
I'm not saying yours is shot but may be at least worth investigating.

 

[Iroc-Sea]

Thanks guys!