Help pluggin holes from old motor bracket..

Lepper · 06-02-2003, 08:55 PM

Getting ready for a new kicker.. (near future) so I am looking to take off my kicker bracket off the boat. the new kicker will be an xtra long shaft so I can mount right to the transom. Question is.. what is the best way to plug the holes on the boat? It's a 19ft alumaweld..

I was thinking using the bolts that are currently in the mount and maybe getting a pice of flat aluminum (like a big washer) and put good ol' silicon all around the sucker.. and squeeze it down.. ideas??
dave

Pilar · 06-02-2003, 09:31 PM

Lepper, yep use the old bolts and a big flat washer on each side. You may have to shorten the bolts a little if they stick out. Clean out the holes and use silicone to seal it up. Fill the holes with it so that when you tighten up the nut the stuff squirts out for under the washers.

I would change up to stainless hardware if it is not already that so you won't have to mess with it again. Off set the new motor 1" from the old bolts or whatever it takes to miss them.

Your only other alternative is to pay a welder to fill in holes. This is a more permanent fix but more expensive by a mile.

salmurai · 06-02-2003, 09:39 PM

or just take the welder fishing and trade him for his "beads".... Sal

Fishplay · 06-02-2003, 09:40 PM

If it were me and my boat I would weld a patch over the holes.

I actually had to do this after some low life stole my other kicker.

I made the piece aprox 10" X 12" which then served as a pad for the entire mounting surface of the new motor.

Lepper · 06-02-2003, 09:42 PM

thanks for the input guys... I think I will just do the washer trick for now.. maybe down the road I Will trade it in for a welded job..
dave

Mello-Yello · 06-03-2003, 06:30 AM

Bubblegum!

06-03-2003, 02:27 PM

Use 5200 instead of silicone.

corrirod · 06-03-2003, 02:40 PM

I second the 5200.

Ragnar · 06-03-2003, 04:27 PM

Hey! I know a guy on this board who actually is an aluminum boat welder by trade, but he plays a biologist on TV now. Me. I've welded-up all sorts of motor mounting holes. It's not that big of a deal. I'd do it for a fishing trip trade, no problem. Plus it would look nice when I'm done. No bird dropping welds from me thanks. I may have to remove any paint around the area though.
Interested? Email me at <tbrigham@smith-root.com>
Peace out my Bro Bros,
Ragnar

Fishplay · 06-03-2003, 07:57 PM

That's one heck of a nice offer Ragnar. True reflection of Salty Dog Spirit.

Three cheers for Ragnar!

corrirod · 06-03-2003, 08:29 PM

Hey Ragnar, I need a little aluminum help also. I need a 24ft. Seasport style aluminum boat built for under $16K. Oh yeah, and I need it before tuna season in 2 weeks.

Thanks for the help and let me know when I can pick it up! :tongue: :tongue: :tongue:

I'll even taken you fishing a couple times! :tongue: :grin:

Lepper · 06-03-2003, 10:13 PM

ragner, you have mail.. :smile:

Skipper · 06-04-2003, 07:41 AM

There is another alternative then using bolts. And the fix will be flush with the surface.

I have plugged up old 3/8" mounting holes with an aluminum rod. Get a dia that fits tight in the hole. Cut it to .200" longer than the thickness you are plugging. Butter the rod with silicon, and tap it in so that .100" sticks out from either end. Use a steel bucking bar with a 3/4" washer for the rod to nest into. Have a buddy on the inside hold the bucking bar against the rod. Use a hammer on the outside against the rod to mushroom or peen the end nearly flush. Then reverse tools and peen the inside of the rod.

I have also done this on small 1/8" to 1/4" holes as well. Thus making my own flush rivets. The plug starting length must be relative to the hole diameter.

Cheerio'
Skipper