Suggestions or ideas for sealing up thru hole hardware locations

[longballlumber]

I would like to hear was others are doing to seal up thru hole areas on their hulls. I have used a very thin layer of silicone on the bracket mating surface in the past, and it works. However, trying to get that silicone off of the hull is a PIA.

There are certain areas where I can use a rubber washer and that works great (water inlets/outlets and motor mounts that mount thru the bottom of the hull).

The transom mounting hardware and turn fin bracket it where I am looking for suggestions.
What are you guys doing to keep water from leaking in those areas?

Later,
Mike

[Southwest]

Just use 5 minute epoxy combo and mix micro-balloon white powder which is ground glass and mix. Apply and let dry and then paint Then i put Goop on inside for insurance sake against leaks. Forgot, i put scotch tape inside so entire hole is fully filled. Now it will take alittle longer to dry as the tape doesn't allow air to cure it as the outside does.

[siberianhusky]

Home depot Plumbers Putty.
Somebody on here recommended it last year, works great. Before that was using DAP latex caulk in the red squeeze tube. Also works well and comes off the hull cleanly.

[longballlumber]

Just use 5 minute epoxy combo and mix micro-balloon white powder which is ground glass and mix. Apply and let dry and then paint Then i put Goop on inside for insurance sake against leaks. Forgot, i put scotch tape inside so entire hole is fully filled. Now it will take alittle longer to dry as the tape doesn't allow air to cure it as the outside does.

That sounds like a HOT mess plus I am not looking to fill the holes, these are the same holes I am using to mount my hardware to the transome.

Later,
Mike

[longballlumber]

Home depot Plumbers Putty.
Somebody on here recommended it last year, works great. Before that was using DAP latex caulk in the red squeeze tube. Also works well and comes off the hull cleanly.

This sounds promising... Doesn't the plummer's putty dry hard or does it stay pliable so it can be removed. What about the Latex Caulk, were you using it inbetween the parts or on the bolts in the inside of the hull...

Thanks
Mike

[siberianhusky]

The putty stays soft, the latex calk was hard but flexible. Given enough years the putty may eventually go hard. Not sure.
I use it on the outside, some does squeeze between the hardware and hull, just kiind of put a blob on each hole and assemble. Some does go into the hull with the bolts, then the nuts squeeze it out a bit, so you do get a seal on both sides.
The caulk scrapes off easily with your thumbnail.

[longballlumber]

Thanks for the tip husky, I will look into it...

Anyone else have a neat and clean solution to this problem?

[iamandrew]

Liquid Electrtical tape.

[jcald2000]

GOOP almost don't need the bolts, but it does scrape off.

[T.S.Davis]

Get rid of those silly Futaba recievers and never worry about it again.

I really like the plumbers putty idea. That stuff stays soft for years.

[longballlumber]

Get rid of those silly Futaba recievers and never worry about it again.

I really like the plumbers putty idea. That stuff stays soft for years.

Yerrrrr a funny guy… Actually, while in the process of updating the transom width and moving the motor forward on the PT Stealth I removed the decorations on the deck. After our club race Sunday, will be tearing it apart again and sanding the whole thing down for a new primer and paint job. I plan to give this one the same “Team U-Haul” treatment as the Q! Plus some new Futaba stickers!!!! Ha!

[longballlumber]

GOOP almost don't need the bolts, but it does scrape off.

Maybe I can give the GOOP a try again. The first (and last) time I tried using it, I found it to be a little too “messy” for my liking. I just want something I can remove during a rebuild or repair work without needing to sand to get off or ruin (alter) the painted surface on the hull.

Plummer’s putty might work as long as you can get to the areas that need sealed up i.e. areas where you can actually get to the inside of the hull (transom). In most cases it’s extremely difficult to get to the area inside the hull where the turn fin mounts.

I was just thinking… What about putting one (maybe 2) layers of electrical tape on the surface the bracket or whatever you’re mounting (rudder or strut bracket). It’s thin and pliable; you want something just thick enough and just enough give to take up any surface inconstancies between the bracket face and the hull face… I might give that a try.

[T.S.Davis]

I use that putty on my travel trailer for penetrations. Works great.

I don't usually worry about the holes in the transome. Water isn't an issue for me.

Still waiting on bearings for my new PT. It's the only thing left to do. Even the velcro is in place. BOCA is never this slow. Not sure what the deal is.

[Heaving Earth]

As long as you get a good seal of putty innthe outside of the hull, why would you need to get it inside?

[Rumdog]

I've never used anything and don't have leaks.