Suggestions or ideas for sealing up thru hole hardware locations

[T.S.Davis]

Soome of my boats leak like a siv but with Spektrum and Castle combined they'll run filled to the rim.. One time I ripped the rudder off and part of the transome with it. Drove it up onto shore as it was sinking. Go Spektrum go spektrum!

[D. Newland]

Forgive me if it's a silly question, but are you using blind nuts? If so, are you drilling the hole just big enough (actually, just small enough) for a snug fit of the threaded part of the nut?

The only thing I do during a new build is make sure I have a good coat of wax on the transom before installing the parts. I've never had a leak issue where hardware bolts up.

[longballlumber]

Forgive me if it's a silly question, but are you using blind nuts? If so, are you drilling the hole just big enough (actually, just small enough) for a snug fit of the threaded part of the nut?

The only thing I do during a new build is make sure I have a good coat of wax on the transom before installing the parts. I've never had a leak issue where hardware bolts up.

Hey Dave, not a dumb question…

For my particular application that started this thread is my Fiberglass Phil Thomas Stealth hull. I am using thru holes and nylon inserted lock nuts. I would say there isn’t a gross amount of clearance between the thru holes but there is enough to make any minor adjustments to allow “squaring” up the hardware.

I am not one who will tolerate water in my hull. When I say this; I mean ZERO. I am starting to think I should just bolt up the stuff and see if I run into issues. For some reason, I am not confident the two mounting surfaces are flat enough between the two that water won’t penetrate.

What type of wax are you talking about (car wax, bee's wax...)????

Later,
Ball

[longballlumber]

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

Don't know what to say, I guess you've got it figured out. Your one of very few that have zero problems with water getting into the hull. Most have problems with this issue.

Later
Mike

[jstolz]

Mike,

I use a product called Polyseamseal Tube & Tile Adhesive Caulk. I'm sure you could get it at Lowes or Home Depot. It dries clear and stays flexible. It pulls off pretty easily.

If you want to make a box for your Futaba receivers, I'll show you what I have done. I have gotten one of my Futaba receivers wet and killed it. My old JR receivers got wet all the time. They tolerated water, but my Futaba receivers don't.

Jay

[properchopper]

DSC04339.JPG

auto parts stores

[Heaving Earth]

Talk about making a simple procedure complex..... Geez. Plumbers putty is by far the easiest and best and cleanest. Roll up a snake of it between your hands, then insert bolt thru hardware and wrap the bolt at the end where it comes thru the backside of the hardware piece with a bit of putty then insert and tighten. Nothing could be easier.....

[785boats]

Totally agree with Heaving earth. Same process I use, except with Sellys All Clear Sealant, applied around the bolts with a match stick, instead of plumbers putty. Dead easy.

[martin]

I agree with just putting what ever sealant being used around the thread of the bolt & simply putting in the hole & tightening. After all its only the hole & bolt that needs sealing, not ever had any problems with hardware bolts leaking with this method.

[Shooter]

Agree with the putty idea. Stays soft. For what its worth, my PT is always dry. Literally, no water. The mount holes were drilled to the minor thread diameter for all the hardware. Only downside is that position tolerance has to be zilch. I think Tony had some sort of hole center finding device....I'm going to pick one of those up before I start drilling into the big PT. See ya Sunday...if I don't get called into work.

[properchopper]

Agree with the putty idea. Stays soft. For what its worth, my PT is always dry. Literally, no water. The mount holes were drilled to the minor thread diameter for all the hardware. Only downside is that position tolerance has to be zilch. I think Tony had some sort of hole center finding device....I'm going to pick one of those up before I start drilling into the big PT. See ya Sunday...if I don't get called into work.

http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...od=dh-gpmr8130

[capnswanny]

Thermwell Mortite Caulking Cord "Frost King" 90ft for $6 at Home Depot
Along the same lines as plumbers putty....almost like the stuff you find in your car door holding the plastic sheeting to the door skin:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Frost-King-E-O-90-ft-Grey-Weatherstrip-and-Caulking-Cord-B2/100152937

I use it for more things than I'd care to admit

[longballlumber]

Agree with the putty idea. Stays soft. For what its worth, my PT is always dry. Literally, no water. The mount holes were drilled to the minor thread diameter for all the hardware. Only downside is that position tolerance has to be zilch. I think Tony had some sort of hole center finding device....I'm going to pick one of those up before I start drilling into the big PT. See ya Sunday...if I don't get called into work.

I bought a set of these to transfer hole centers. Worked well for me..

http://www.harborfreight.com/28-piec...-set-3577.html

Later,
Mike