How to fill small bolt holes?

[Mike]

I dug thru my box of supplies this morning and found enough left over West Systems epoxy resin and hardner to do the job. After a quick stop to my local hardware store for a countersink bit and then to West Marine for some silica, I was in business. I lightly countersunk both sides of the holes. After I mixed the epoxy and silica, I buttered it on both sides of each hole. After it started to kick off, I went over each hole with a plastic putty knife. I found myself in and out of the boat a few too many times chasing the extra that pushes thru the other side. All in all it turned out nicely. Haven't taken any pictures of my own yet, but can post the pics of the boat from when it was for sale. I'll try to take a few of it now and as I clean the boat up.

Thanks for the help. Though I haven't posted much lately, it good to know that this community is always there for you when you need it.

 

[Capt Rich Geminski]

Clean the holes with paint thinner before West system, will bond better. Have used West for years, worth the expense. Used micro balloons for filler and over filled and sanded. Schellinger Boat??

 

[Mike]

No, but same idea.

The hole filling is complete except for the sanding. I'll sand it this afternoon and get it all preped for a new paint job that'll go on sometime after this weekend.

 

[WBurnight]

I would have suggested tape on the inside of the holes and use Marine-tex.

 

[Mike]

I would have suggested tape on the inside of the holes and use Marine-tex.

The bolt hole fill job has held up well thus far. I had forgotten about doing it until I saw this thread on the 1st page......... A year later. ;-)

 

[John D.]

Epoxy resin and microlight or cabosil or both mixed together. You could even lay a little glass over the area where the repair is. This will be 100% fix forever.