What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

[Bubbasboat]

I am going to have two holes I need to relocate for my new motor. What is the best way to repair the two unused holes left behind?

If it matters, it's a 73/74 Glasspar V165 hull

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

I'd recommend using Bondo Hair.

Clean the existing holes well with Acetone and then fill with the BH. Over fill just a bit and then sand flush. If you want to try and match the gelcoat, you can wash again with Acetone (the Bondo products all have wax in them and you have to get the wax off in order for the Gelcoat to adhere) and then get a Gelcoat kit and mix up some to match the color as best you can (Warning, this takes a lot of patience. Use toothpics when adding different colors cuz it doesn 't take much to change the tint) Once you get the color you want I'd use a PreVal Sprayer (Get one at Lowe's for under $10 bucks) to spray on 3-4 coats of the gel coat. 2-3oz of Gelcoat should do the trick.

 

[southkogs]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

^^^ Ayuh, ... Bondo's hair will fix holes in boats!?! That dude is GOOOOOOOD.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

I take it you don't agree with Woodenglass about the Bondo Hair for repairing the holes! I was actually hoping to be able to use the 3M 5200 which is what I'm sealing my mounting holes and bolts with. I also have a 1/2" aluminum reinforcement plate on the transom, photo attached. What are your thoughts on how I should do it?

Just for info, the motor on boat is being removed.

^^^ Ayuh, ... Bondo's hair will fix holes in boats!?! That dude is GOOOOOOOD.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

As you see, Southkogs doesn't seem to agree that Bondo Hair is appropriate for this purpose, unless I'm reading the post wrong. I personally know nothing and want to know as much as possible so I get it right the first time, as I don't want my boat sinking. Please educate me about Bondo, I know very little about it. Thanks. I posted a couple photo's of an aluminum reinforcement on my transom in my reply to Southkogs. Would this change anything?

I'd recommend using Bondo Hair.

Clean the existing holes well with Acetone and then fill with the BH. Over fill just a bit and then sand flush. If you want to try and match the gelcoat, you can wash again with Acetone (the Bondo products all have wax in them and you have to get the wax off in order for the Gelcoat to adhere) and then get a Gelcoat kit and mix up some to match the color as best you can (Warning, this takes a lot of patience. Use toothpics when adding different colors cuz it doesn 't take much to change the tint) Once you get the color you want I'd use a PreVal Sprayer (Get one at Lowe's for under $10 bucks) to spray on 3-4 coats of the gel coat. 2-3oz of Gelcoat should do the trick.

 

[southkogs]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

Sorry Bubba: I put the "Ayuh" in there as a trigger that I was clownin' around ...

I was referencing one of the Moderators (His screen name is Bondo) for fun. Listen to WOG. He knows what he's doing.

 

[roscoe]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

either 3m 5200, probably in several thin coats, or Marine-Tex.

Marine-Tex is a 2 part epoxy, available in sizes from small tubes, up to 5 gallon buckets.

3m 5200 is a slow cure polyurethane, which you already have experience with.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

Thanks for clarifying, I'm new here so still learning some of the nuances, I did miss that one. Wasn't familiar with moderator named Bondo, looking back on your post I can now get a chuckle out of that one. Thanks for the chuckle! "Bondo's Hair"

Sorry Bubba: I put the "Ayuh" in there as a trigger that I was clownin' around ...

I was referencing one of the Moderators (His screen name is Bondo) for fun. Listen to WOG. He knows what he's doing.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

5200 is an adhesive. Filling the hole with a mass of glue is a little too redneck for my taste.

If the holes are any bigger than 3/8, I would glue in a close fitting wooden dowel first,
and complete the fill with Marine-Tex, as it looks like Gel coat, or the Bondo putty and gelcoat method.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

I get southkogs joke! "Bondo's Hair". Finally!! I think I will go with your suggestion of Bondo Hair for my repairs. It's short dry and cure times are very helpful. Not to mention the excellent directions for it's use you provided. Thank you

I'd recommend using Bondo Hair.

Clean the existing holes well with Acetone and then fill with the BH. Over fill just a bit and then sand flush. If you want to try and match the gelcoat, you can wash again with Acetone (the Bondo products all have wax in them and you have to get the wax off in order for the Gelcoat to adhere) and then get a Gelcoat kit and mix up some to match the color as best you can (Warning, this takes a lot of patience. Use toothpics when adding different colors cuz it doesn 't take much to change the tint) Once you get the color you want I'd use a PreVal Sprayer (Get one at Lowe's for under $10 bucks) to spray on 3-4 coats of the gel coat. 2-3oz of Gelcoat should do the trick.

 

[flipbro]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

Bondo Hair is what you want!!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

Why is the aluminum plate on the transom?

 

[NYBo]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

Why is the aluminum plate on the transom?

Yeah, not a good sign. Better check the transom for rot before doing anything else.

 

[roscoe]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

5200 is an adhesive. Filling the hole with a mass of glue is a little too redneck for my taste.

If the holes are any bigger than 3/8, I would glue in a close fitting wooden dowel first,
and complete the fill with Marine-Tex, as it looks like Gel coat, or the Bondo putty and gelcoat method.

Yes, you're right. Not sure what I was thinking.

5200 is a non-shrinking polyurethane sealant, good for small holes and sealing cracks around screws, thru-hulls, etc.

Better use Marine-Tex if the holes are that large, and deep.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

I would buy oak dowel rod to the size of the hole. use water gorilla glue pound them in, so they are recessed inside and out. Then use marine tex/ 5200 to seal .02

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

Simple, it was added as reinforcement when the previous owner decided to up size the motor to a 115hp, hull was only rated for a 105hp max. I am downsizing the motor to a 70 hp, all and more than what I need for my purpose.

Why is the aluminum plate on the transom?

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

Good thought, but I have owned this hull for over 5 years and believe me, there is no rot on the transom. My hull is dry and very solid. I just did a full visual inspection of interior side of transom after removing fuel tank, looks great. No softness etc.

Yeah, not a good sign. Better check the transom for rot before doing anything else.

 

[Expidia]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

If aesthetics are not a big issue and a nyloc nut would not interfere with the bracket why not go down to west marine and pick up two stainless steel bolts and 4 washers and a little sealant and call it a day!

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: What is the best way to repair unused holes in transom when replacing a motor?

Let me begin by thanking everyone for all the excellent as well as interesting ideas and the humor!! As it turns out, I lucked out! I replaced the motor today and my new mount fit the old holes perfectly. Myself, had I needed to, I would have gone with the Bondo Hair as recommended by Woodonglass. I also liked Unclewillie"s dowel idea. Definitely do not use the 3M 5200 for this purpose, too much sag! 3M 5200 worked great for the bolt hole sealing! YEA, I'm re-motored!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!