Filling Big Holes In Transom

[berry79]

Hello everyone. I'm in the process of redoing a floor and transom in my boat. I will be using the nida-bond pourable transom and have some big holes in the transom that I will not be using anymore. Just was in need of some input of how to block or cover these holes before I do the poor. On the inside skin of the transom, I will be fiberglassing over the holes to cover them up. Just not sure of what to do on the outside. These are the holes circled in yellow, and yes the through hull fittings will be removed before I start. Thanks for any info.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Filling Big Holes In Transom

I would remove the fittings, then duct tape some plastic and cardboard over the holes for the pour. After, grind down and do a layer or three of mat and gel coat or paint. The plastic it to keep the poured fill from being absorbed by cardboard or ply, etc used to cover the hole, and also make it easy to uncover the holes.

BTW, what are all those fittings for?

 

[berry79]

Re: Filling Big Holes In Transom

I would remove the fittings, then duct tape some plastic and cardboard over the holes for the pour. After, grind down and do a layer or three of mat and gel coat or paint. The plastic it to keep the poured fill from being absorbed by cardboard or ply, etc used to cover the hole, and also make it easy to uncover the holes.

BTW, what are all those fittings for?

Thanks Mark for the Info. I just got the boat 2 weeks ago, it seems that every storage area on the boat has a drain running to the transom. The 2 with the black screens are for the live well.

 

[berry79]

Re: Filling Big Holes In Transom

Will duct-tape hold it tight enough to keep the liquid from leaking out around the holes? What type of plastic, something thick or like a film?

 

[jonesg]

Re: Filling Big Holes In Transom

Will duct-tape hold it tight enough to keep the liquid from leaking out around the holes? What type of plastic, something thick or like a film?

not likely, at the bottom of the transom they are subject to the weight of the composite filler pressing down, I used duct tape on smaller holes and had some leakage,
but your holes look huge by comparison. Consider the weight of the pour at 8 lbs per gallon, could be 100 lbs of liquid transom pushing down.

If you grind the edges of the holes out a bit to feather the edges and apply a couple layers of mat with poly resin that will do the trick, you'll have to finish by fairing with putty and paint or gel.

btw, some of those plastic thru hulls are not meant for below the waterline, the white ones are definately for above water line bilge exits only.
The bilge area must be a nitemare of hoses with all those fittings.

 

[berry79]

Re: Filling Big Holes In Transom

Yeah the bilge is full of hoses.I'll be patching the holes permantly anyways, so that sounds like a good idea. How would keep the mat from sagging in the holes when you apply it? Wet it first then apply it? And what type of mat would you recommend for this fix? Thanks