How do you fasten your hardware?

[flyboy320]

Wondering the best way to fasten hardware to the transom. I see several options

1. screws
2. bolts with standard nuts
3. bolts with nylock nuts

I'm talking about the rudder, strut and turn fin.

Cheers...

[Doby]

#3, with washers to help spread the load.

[Eyekandyboats]

i lay 1/4 inch ply on the inside of the transom along with epoxy in between.
then i tap my holes and screw in screws.... yes screws. That way if my hardware rips off because of a log, turtle, or any of that crap it doesn't rip the transom apart. the screws simply pull out.

[Flying Scotsman]

Another question, how do you make a watertight fastener connection on the transom. I use cable grease. What do you use?

Douggie

[G Doggett]

Same as Eyekandy I have plywood inside the transom but fasten the hardware with stainless bolts and blind nuts.
To prevent damage to the transom if you hit something I use a 'breakaway' rudder that pivots on just one bolt and the same with the turn fin.
Seal the bolts by smearing RTV on the threads.
Graham.

[Doug Smock]

Are you building the "Pickle" flyboy? If you are, screw the strut and turn fin brackets and bolt on the rudder bracket.

Doug

[Flying Scotsman]

Another question, how do you make a watertight fastener connection on the transom. I use cable grease. What do you use?

Douggie

I will pose the question again. How do you make the connection watertight??

[Mich. Maniac]

I use washers on the inside that have rubber on them. so far no issues, everyone is different though.

[Doug Smock]

I will pose the question again. How do you make the connection watertight??

A little dab of silicone on the screws/ bolts.

Doug

[flyboy320]

Are you building the "Pickle" flyboy? If you are, screw the strut and turn fin brackets and bolt on the rudder bracket.

Doug

Yup, thats the one

Its in the mail, and hopefully will arrive soon...

[Doby]

I will pose the question again. How do you make the connection watertight??

Silicone, it has more uses than just for California blondes

[z400]

some of my stuff is just screwed in with no nuts or anything

my rudder is screwed in with a washer on the end of each screw with a nylon locking nut
my strut is screwed in with those tee nuts that sink into the transom

i've got a piece of 3/16" birch plywood that was cut to fit my transom form
epoxied in and sealed
i use silicone each time on the screws if i remove them

[Eyekandyboats]

tap the hole with a ... tap and you do not need any silicone

[Doug Smock]

Tight or under sized holes will keep water out of the hull, but it won't keep it out of the transom doubler. The ply will begin to rot as there is no way for it to dry. A little silicone will go a long way to keep the transom in good condition..

Doug

[Flying Scotsman]

The consensus definetly favours silicone. I thought of using that but I was under the assumption that it would be a permanent bond as silicone is difficult to remove and does not adhere well to itself after curing. How do you remove the old silicone??

Douggie