Transom repair resins

Riptide III

Riptide III

3D
Dec 8, 2007
1,139
Dartmouth MA
Boat Info
1997 Sea Ray 400DA
Cat 3116 TA
1994 Sea Ray Laguna CC 250 Tohatsu
Engines
:
i have 8 bolt holes to repair/fill on my transom. Moving from twin to single outboard. I plan on coating a dowel with resin. Plugging the hole. Grinding and feathering in the surfaces. My question is epoxy, polyester or vinyl ester resin?
 
Polyester is inexpensive would work just fine for the job with no issues. Over the years, however, I've transitioned to only using epoxy for projects. It's more expensive, but it's easier to work with, doesn't smell as much and is stronger (although that doesn't really matter much given that polyester is plenty strong). I've never worked with vinyl ester.
 
I use both polyester resin and West Systems Epoxy, depending upon the job I'm doing. This application is a natural for West Systems. It is extremely easy to work with and has greater bonding strength for a job like this. Is is now available in small quantities (G-flex). It has a shorter pot life but slightly longer cure time which will allow you to fill the holes with a slightly shorter plug than the depth of the transom so you can mix a second batch with a thickener to fair the interior and exterior surfaces to cover the wooden dowel with epoxy.
 
I have all three types and have been using the mas epoxy but I thought gelcote only stuck to polyester resins. Can someone please clarify that? Because I prefer epoxy.
 
I have sprayed gel coat over epoxy many times. It needs to be fully cured and well sanded. If you are filling holes with a dowel it is better to fit the dowel for a snug fit and drive the dowel in dry. Then grind the area on both sides of the repair, doing the appropriate cup and flair and glass in. This allows the dowel to flex with the rest of the coring.
 
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