Trim Tab replacement

[funinthesun]

The trim tabs on my 31 Rinker suffered electrolysis over last season, and actually rusted through at one of the hinges, so I ordered replacements.

When attaching them, what's the best way to make sure the screw holes are completely waterproof? What type of sealant do you all recommend? Does it make sense to put sealant around the edge of the trim tab itself, or just the screw holes?

Thanks everyone!
Ed

 

[rduhon]

What brand of trim tab?

 

[Monterey10]

The most correct way is to drill larger holes in the transom and then inject epoxy into the holes. (use a syringe) Drill and bolt into the epoxy plugs. When water gets past the sealant and follows the threads into the transom, the water wont find wood.

5200 is your best under water sealant.

The old name in trim tabs is Bennett. Some people have been trying the Lencos. I don't know how well this brand has worked out.

 

[Flutterby]

I believe Rinker uses Lencos.

 

[rbmitchell]

Bed the entire tab on the boat side of the hinge. It is best to have no water getting between the metal of the tab and the hull.

Using 4200 instead of 5200 will allow you to tear this apart sometime in the future. Read the labels.

 

[Riverratt]

I have read to countersink the outer edge of the holes to provide a space to fill with sealant.