Speedo hole repair

[Jswingle13]

I have a '89 sea ray with 4.3 and alpha 1....replaced all bellows etc and first time out noticed I was still getting water intrusion. Upon further inspection I found the mounting hardware for the speedo was loose. I removed all the hardware and dug around. The holes do not go through and the sides of the holes seem pretty solid.... I drilled them out to a 1/4" to get a better feel. I'm afraid there is a little rot but I don't think it's too extensive. The PO kept it docked and I trailer to the water so it won't be subject to extended periods of exposure. What options do I have to Plug the holes? I think I just want to seal them off and get a gps for speed. Hoping for some input.... The sea ray forum was no help! Thanks in advance! I also found the drain plug screws a little loose. I plan on re-sealing possibly replacing drain plug. Any input on that as well as suggested gps units also appreciated.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Speedo hole repair

Plug the holes with marine tex or epoxy.

Remove your garboard plug ........clean and coat the hole with epoxy and fill the 3 holes from the screws...... rotate the garboard plug and re=drill new holes and seal the screws and garboard plug with 3m 5200.

Common repairs.

 

[Jswingle13]

Re: Speedo hole repair

Thanks...do I do any gel coat over the top of the plugs or just leave the epoxy sanded flush? Would you suggest drilling out the holes any bigger?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Speedo hole repair

Well that is totally your call. Gel coat is the ultimate in repair but do you want to do that now??

There is actually a marine epoxy stick made by Bondo that will cure even under water and dries white....... it is the quick fix for now and take care of the cosmetics later.

 

[rickryder]

Re: Speedo hole repair

I have a '89 sea ray with 4.3 and alpha 1....replaced all bellows etc and first time out noticed I was still getting water intrusion. Upon further inspection I found the mounting hardware for the speedo was loose. I removed all the hardware and dug around. The holes do not go through and the sides of the holes seem pretty solid.... I drilled them out to a 1/4" to get a better feel. I'm afraid there is a little rot but I don't think it's too extensive. The PO kept it docked and I trailer to the water so it won't be subject to extended periods of exposure. What options do I have to Plug the holes? I think I just want to seal them off and get a gps for speed. Hoping for some input.... The sea ray forum was no help! Thanks in advance! I also found the drain plug screws a little loose. I plan on re-sealing possibly replacing drain plug. Any input on that as well as suggested gps units also appreciated.

A little rot can be big problems deeper in.... I would try to investigate a bit futher.... Check when you pull the garboard for rot in the transom down low

 

[Jswingle13]

Re: Speedo hole repair

Well for now I want a quick fix that is safe and sound so I can go boating That being said I also want to make sure I don't make anything worse. I have pulled the garboard and everything around it is solid...no rot. That was also why i have been contimplating drilling out the speedo holes bigger so I can get a good look at what is going on...but I don't want to have huge holes to patch. For the most part the holes feel solid but I can find some voids in the lowest hole just poking around and if water is getting into the boat then I know there must be some amount of rot since the holes dont go through. I think I will seal up the garboard as suggested and try some epoxy in the other holes and see where that gets me. I don't feel there is any structural damage but I am no expert hence why I am asking. What kind of Epoxy do I use???? I s there a special marine grade or is the bondo stuff mentioned my best choice? Thank you all for your input!