Filling in holes below the waterline

[Basilla]

Any advice on the best way to fill screw holes below the waterline (saltwater). My boat is currently out of the water and it looks like some of the existing holes are filled with 3M 5200 and its pretty soft - I was able to pull the stuff out by hand.

At the very least, I am thinking of putting screws back in the holes with 5200. What about using an epoxy putty instead?

All comments welcome!

 

[wolf]

put the screws back in and fill it with SICA flex best stuff going hopefully the transom isnt soaking with water then you MAY want to drill a hole in the bottom and let it dry out for a bit as the water will weep out of it depends on how long you are out of the water and on trailor.

Good luck Wolf

 

[Mornin Chubby]

I like to use cold cure epoxy (fast dry in cold weather). Use a syringe to fill the holes, place a piece of tape over the hole to keep epoxy in also to help it dry flat to the surface. Sand to a smooth finish. As wolf said if mosture is found good idea to let it weep out for as long as needed.( heat gun $14.95 at crappy tire)

 

[marula]

I've just redone all my transom fittings and thru hull's and I did exactly what MC suggested, marine tex, tape and syringe. I had to predrill for new screws as the expoy is quite hard. All were pretty dry and solid but some of the trim tabs holes leaked in. Overdrill and get any rotten wood out and get it dry. Carefull with the heat as you can cook or burn the gelcoat. I taped a shop vacume over the hole to suck out any wetness. You can also squirt in acetone as it will put out the mositure with it when it evaporates. Anti freeze will act as a good fungcide to prevent rot of damp wood.