Transom question

[CT_V-20]

For those who have a bracket, can you tell me what the inside of your transom looks like? Specifically, is there a hole in the transom from which you can look into the inside of the bracket, or conversely if you pull the inspection plate from your bracket (and it's not foamed in) can you look through your transom? The reason I ask is, my bracket is on (finally) and there is still a hole in the transom, about 5-6" diameter, from the Sea Drive installation. Should this be filled in or is it fine as is? The bracket intallation is watertight and the hole is well above water line. The fiberglass guy can't get to it for "weeks" and the marina doesn't think it's a problem. They're going to screw a plate over it and seal it with some 5200 so it will be water tight, I'm more concerned with structural issues. Thanks.

I'll post pictures tomorrow when I go back down to the boat. I will be able to pick it up Wednesday so I'll be in for Memorial Day.

[phester]

hey CT, I'm afriad Icannot help you w/your transom question...,I just couldnt help notice that we have nearly identicle set-ups.86 hull 150 johnson,but for me,minus the bracket.I think I'm now a bit jealous.

[macojoe]

Well I installed my bracket myself. I filled the hole!!

I would not like it the way yours is!!

Although it is probley fine. If the transom is solid then it should be fine.

On the safety side of things, if that, seal around the bracket failed, deck cover leaks, or the plug on the bottom of the bracket fell out (unlikely) and the bracket started to leak, It would just keep filling the boat!!

I noticed that after the first year of my install I had to tighten the bracket up some. The bracket had squeezed the transom tight and cause a small 1/16 or less space in a small spot. I was concerned about a small leak getting into the transom so I added some more 5200 and re tightened the bolts, Has been fine ever since.

And if you are moored and don't go to the boat for a few days, you just might find it on the bottom!!

If were me I would plug the hole from the inside!!! Should not be to hard for you to do your self.

Here is mine inside, after I re did the hole!!:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v131/macojoe/Picture016.jpg

Outside work in progress:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v131/macojoe/5175c058.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v131/macojoe/72871f1a.jpg

[CT_V-20]

Here's a picture of what I'm talking about. It's probably fine since these holes have been here since '86, I just don't like holes in a boat!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/mdembski1/NewBoat001.jpg

The big hole in the center is the one I'm talking about, you're looking into the inside of the bracket.

[macojoe]

Well if your happy, I am happy!!

Just glad it isn't mine!! Pray it never leaks!!

Now were are the rest of the pic's??

[fillet1]

CT-

Mine is filled. Plus there are aluminum bars over the bolts similar to MJ.

Mj's hole was larger because it was an i/o. I dont think you should have any probs. If you are concerned, slap a piece of ply in thereand glass it in !

[reelapeelin]

As long as water can't get into the bracket you oughtta be OK...structurally I think you're fine and the repair your man made from inside should hold water back...keep an eye on it ... ;) :D...

[CT_V-20]

Thanks. They are putting a plate over it with bolts and sealed with 5200, so I'm not worried about water getting in. My concern is structural. I will watch it closely.

[jaysea]

hi,i was on a friends boat last week,he has a bracket for twin engines,he has those snap in 6" plugs,an one of them poped off an the bracket filled to the top in a few seconds,id say its agood thing we were in a 32' boat with hi scuppers or weed bin in trouble, id fill an seal all those openings an get a fixed fulley screw down plug on the bracket so there is no risk of it ever comming out by accedent

[reelapeelin]

CT, can you fill that bracket w/ foam flotation?...

[CT_V-20]

You can if you want to. The guys that put it on don't typically fill them in.

[reelapeelin]

Seems like STRUCTURALLY you're in good shape...w/ the plugs that have been installed and good silicone job in the original thru-bolt holes, foamin' that bracket would eliminate possibility of water intrusion... :)...

[fillet1]

CT-

I just re-read this post. Did you say the hole LETS YOU LOOK INTO THE BRACKET? Inotherwords, There is a hole in the bracket too??

My armstrong bracket has no hole. It is supposed to be airtight inside to provide positive flotation. With the hole in it it will not be airtight. Did it come with the hole?

[macojoe]

I have a stainless bracket, just like armstrong.

They all have a hole on the transom side!! You seal around it when you mount to the boat and this gives you the air tight hole!!

But they never fixed the hole that was left from the seadrive!! So yes there will be no floation!!

[CT_V-20]

The armstrong bracket is open on the end attached to the transom. The hole in question is now sealed with a plate and 5200. I'm keeping my eye on it.

[Vic]

CT, Does the bracket have its own drain plug? I have an armstrong and mine has one. I have to drain it once in a while because the round hatch on the top of it will get a little water in it. Most of the time its just an inch deep.

[macojoe]

Now I feel much better about it!!