Unprotected screw holes in the transom

[Canopy Locked]

Sometimes I despair of what goes (or doesn't go) through people minds when fitting kit to a boat.

In the process of refitting a small 16ft boat - removed the transom mounted transducer today - reckon it's been there since day 1 and was tight on the transom.

However there was no sika or even silicone around the fitting or in the screw holes and, of course being a transducer, it's underwater. Only good thing there was no visible moisture - but then the boat has been undercover for 2 months now.

What would the the knowledgeable members consider the next best course of action? A new TD will eventually be fitted.

• Leave alone and refit new TD when ready
• Drill out holes and then fill with suitable resin filler and gelcoat
• or something else

 

[LittleSister]

Refit the existing transducer (assuming it's physically sound - doesn't matter whether it works or not) using non-adhesive sealant if that goes through the transom. If it's only screws, fit bolts through the holes, again with non-setting sealant, to blank off the holes.

It/they will fill the hole(s) for the time being, keep water out, and your new transducer may be the same size or larger.

I can't see the point in filling the hole until you know for sure want you want instead.

 

[William_H]

If it is a depth sounder transducer it is quite likely the old one will work OK with new system. Worth a try. As said just refit the old one at least for the time being. ol'will

 

[Canopy Locked]

Sorry guys - missed my point completely I should have been clearer...

With no sealant around the old TD I would imagine (on a 16 year old boat) that some moisture will have got into the transom - I was just wondering what other would do about possible water damage / best way to allow to dry - have my own ideas. Question had nothing to do with rubbish 16 year old transponders!

 

[RivalRedwing]

If there is no evidence of water damage then get some sealant and refit. If you have a desire to reassure yourself that it is dry then leave it out of the water for a couple of months with a loose fitting (so the any water vapour can escape) waterproof cover over the hole.

 

[Stemar]

The first thing we need to know is the material of the transom.

If GRP, then I wouldn't worry too much about moisture, just fill them with an epoxy filler. If wood, then, assuming no signs of rot, drill out the hole to a suitable size and epoxy in dowels made of the same wood. The tough one is grp sandwich, which I'll leave to the experts