rwstage
Member
While inspecting the state of hoses and hose clamps on tne engines of our twin screw 2006 Mainship 400, I noticed a screw in the floor under the port engine in a location generally hard to see. I had not noticed that screw before but have found many throughout the boat that appear to be from screw in zip ties where the zip tie is gone leaving only the head under the screw. This screw did not have a zip tie head but that too has not been unusual on this boat. As the fifth owners of this boat I have spent a lot of time cleaning up such things as abandoned screws by removing them and filling the hole.
The fact that this screw was in the bilge floor and not in a stringer didn't strike me as odd until I backed it out and a small geyser of raw water erupted. I put the screw back in to stop the leak. Although I have never observed water under the port engine, I didn't like the idea of a "dry", slightly rusty screw in what amounts to a through hole below the water line.
I rolled about an inch long piece of butyl tape into a narrow cylinder, backed the screw out again and stuffed the butyl tape into the hole, working as much in as I could. That stopped the leak. Then I put in a new #10 size, 316 grade stainless steel screw with a generous butyl tape collar. I plan to monitor carefully and regularly.
Setting aside the question of why such a hole would be present in the first place, my questions to the Forum are: (1) Is my fix adequate and appropriate for the small, below water line hole (I'd like to avoid doing a haul out at this time if it can be safely avoided)? (2) Is there a better way to seal the hole without hauling the boat? And, (3) the next time the boat is hauled, how best to make a permanent repair?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
The fact that this screw was in the bilge floor and not in a stringer didn't strike me as odd until I backed it out and a small geyser of raw water erupted. I put the screw back in to stop the leak. Although I have never observed water under the port engine, I didn't like the idea of a "dry", slightly rusty screw in what amounts to a through hole below the water line.
I rolled about an inch long piece of butyl tape into a narrow cylinder, backed the screw out again and stuffed the butyl tape into the hole, working as much in as I could. That stopped the leak. Then I put in a new #10 size, 316 grade stainless steel screw with a generous butyl tape collar. I plan to monitor carefully and regularly.
Setting aside the question of why such a hole would be present in the first place, my questions to the Forum are: (1) Is my fix adequate and appropriate for the small, below water line hole (I'd like to avoid doing a haul out at this time if it can be safely avoided)? (2) Is there a better way to seal the hole without hauling the boat? And, (3) the next time the boat is hauled, how best to make a permanent repair?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.