Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 09-02-2013, 06:14 PM   #1
Guru
 
Tom.B's Avatar
 
City: Cary, NC
Vessel Name: Skinny Dippin'
Vessel Model: Navigator 4200 Classic
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,841
How would you fix this?

Hey everyone!

I need some ideas on fixing this hole in our water tank. It is on the TOP of the tank under the mater bed. This is a hole from a non-functional water gauge that started leaking. I hoped for a fairly easy fix, but when I removed the sensor and scraped away all the "goo", I found a mangled mess of metal. Not the level surface I had hoped to find.

So... TBH, I would rather not pay for a portable welder to come out and patch it. I don't think trying to bodge a new sensor into the old will work either, besides, I prefer the sight tube. I tried to do a little metal manipulation with a hammer and whatever I could find to use as a dolly, but I wasn't very successful.


What I tried yesterday was to just use 3M adhesive and a rubber patch, but the unevenness of the surface just made it look like water would eventually make it fail. I just didn't see a way to make it work.

If there is a good side to it, I am able to reach thru the access panel to the underside of the hole. What I am thinking is fabricate a West Systems epoxy and fiberglass patch.

Any other ideas? Any tips on making a fiberglass patch?
Attached Thumbnails
waterhole.jpg  
__________________
2000 Navigator 4200 Classic
(NOT a trawler)
Tom.B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 06:35 PM   #2
Guru
 
City: Carefree, Arizona
Vessel Name: sunchaser V
Vessel Model: DeFever 48 (sold)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,185
Cut a metal patch about 1 inch larger in diameter and affix in place with JB Weld. I've used JB on hot low (7 psi) pressure vessels and it held up great for years. In your no pressure situation it should work just fine
sunchaser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 07:04 PM   #3
TF Site Team
 
FlyWright's Avatar
 
City: California Delta
Vessel Name: FlyWright
Vessel Model: 1977 Marshall Californian 34 LRC
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,728
Seabuilt - Access Plate Systems
__________________
My boat is my ark. It's my mobile treehouse and my floating fishing cabin. It's my retreat and my respite. Everyday I thank God I have a boat! -Al FJB

@DeltaBridges - 25 Delta Bridges in 25 Days
FlyWright is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 07:15 PM   #4
Guru
 
City: Here
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,940
I'm with sunchaser !
boatpoker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 07:20 PM   #5
Enigma
 
RT Firefly's Avatar
 
City: Slicker?
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 16,563
Greetings,
Mr. Tom. How would I fix this? The easy way would be to fabricate 2 round "thickish" plates (probably SS to match the tank), larger than the damaged area by 5/8" or so, drill, say a 3/8" hole in the center of each, apply a layer(s) of butyl tape to the edges of each plate (as a gasket), put one plate inside and bolt the other plate to its mate from the outside with a gob of butyl tape around the bolt and between the plates.
Depending on your soldering skills you could solder on a SS patch as well.
__________________
RTF
RT Firefly is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 07:25 PM   #6
Guru
 
Codger2's Avatar
 
City: San Diego
Vessel Name: Circuit Breaker
Vessel Model: 2021..22' Duffy Cuddy cabin
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,691
I'm with Flywright's patch and Sunchaser's JB Weld. Should last forever!
(I've also decided to run for public office! )
__________________
Done with diesel power boats! Have fallen in love with all electric!
Codger2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 07:31 PM   #7
Guru
 
O C Diver's Avatar
 
City: Fort Myers, FL... Summers in the Great Lakes
Vessel Name: Slow Hand
Vessel Model: Cherubini Independence 45
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,834
Cut a larger disc out of metal twice the thickness of the tank. Drill 8 holes around the perimeter that pan head self tapping stainless screws will fit through. drill coresponding smaller holes in the tank that the screws will tap when screwed in. I would put it together with silicone caulk (my choice) or 5200 and call it done.

Ted
__________________
Blog: mvslowhand.com
I'm tired of fast moves, I've got a slow groove, on my mind.....
I want to spend some time, Not come and go in a heated rush.....
"Slow Hand" by The Pointer Sisters
O C Diver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 08:01 PM   #8
Guru
 
Tom.B's Avatar
 
City: Cary, NC
Vessel Name: Skinny Dippin'
Vessel Model: Navigator 4200 Classic
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,841
All good ideas. Thanks. My issues that it's nowhere near flat, so I guess I need to either take a proper hammer/dolly down to work the metal around the hole flat enough to not have to use a 1/2" bead of JB Weld or to massage a patch to fit the warped metal around the hole. Or both. Thye picture doesn't show how warped the entire area, not just the metal adjacent to the hole, is. There is easily an inch from high spot to low spot.

I do think JB Weld might be the best solution that I didn't think of. I like RTF's double-plate idea too.
__________________
2000 Navigator 4200 Classic
(NOT a trawler)
Tom.B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 08:29 PM   #9
Guru
 
psneeld's Avatar
 
City: Ft Pierce
Vessel Name: Sold
Vessel Model: Was an Albin/PSN 40
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 28,147
Any top plate material you want, self tapping screws prepped. Scrub clean with 80-120 grit...put a 1/2 inch high bead of silicone around the hole...lightly thread the screws in...let the silicone thicken over night...screw down snugly.
psneeld is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 08:37 PM   #10
Veteran Member
 
City: La Conner / Yacolt, WA
Vessel Name: Pagoo
Vessel Model: Campion 30
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 47
I would vote with O C Driver and 5200 not silicone.

Fred P...............
Fredp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 09:00 PM   #11
Guru
 
psneeld's Avatar
 
City: Ft Pierce
Vessel Name: Sold
Vessel Model: Was an Albin/PSN 40
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 28,147
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fredp View Post
I would vote with O C Driver and 5200 not silicone.

Fred P...............
The only difference in this case is that 5200 is about 5X more expensive and adhesive is mot really needed for the repair if screws are used.

The silicone is just forming a custom gasket.
psneeld is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 09:22 PM   #12
Moderator Emeritus
 
ksanders's Avatar
 
City: SEWARD ALASKA
Vessel Name: DOS PECES
Vessel Model: BAYLINER 4788
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,266
I'd cut out the mangled area to create a flat surface.

Then the JB weld, or silicone, or 5200 option would be easier, and more effective
__________________
Kevin Sanders
Bayliner 4788 Dos Peces
Seward, Alaska - La Paz, Baja California Sur
https://maps.findmespot.com/s/XLJZ#history/assets
ksanders is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 09:31 PM   #13
Guru
 
Steve's Avatar
 
City: Thibodaux, Louisiana
Vessel Name: Gumbo
Vessel Model: 2003 Monk 36
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,882
Two discs larger than the hole, matching and drilled at the same time 6 to 8 holes around the edges. A bolt washers and locknut for each of the holes. place one disk on the top side drill matching hole through the tank top, push the bolts through the top disk and the tank surface. Since you have acess to the hole from the bottom put a gasket or sealant or both on the lower disk slip it up into place with the bolts through it put the washers and nuts on the bolts. Then cross tighten the nuts till it draws up tight, as you tighten it it will squeeze the tank material and should level it off to make a good seal. this is like some of the other suggestions, but you can do it all in an hour or so, on your own.
__________________
Steve W.
https://mvgumbo.blogspot.com/
Steve is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 09:39 PM   #14
Guru
 
O C Diver's Avatar
 
City: Fort Myers, FL... Summers in the Great Lakes
Vessel Name: Slow Hand
Vessel Model: Cherubini Independence 45
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,834
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom.B View Post
All good ideas. Thanks. My issues that it's nowhere near flat, so I guess I need to either take a proper hammer/dolly down to work the metal around the hole flat enough to not have to use a 1/2" bead of JB Weld or to massage a patch to fit the warped metal around the hole. Or both. Thye picture doesn't show how warped the entire area, not just the metal adjacent to the hole, is. There is easily an inch from high spot to low spot.
In my solution using a 2 or 3 times thicker plate means that when you tighten the screws, the tank material will conform to the cover plate as the cover plate is thicker and will not bend / distort.

Agree with Psneeld about letting the silicone thicken before tightening the screws.

Ted
__________________
Blog: mvslowhand.com
I'm tired of fast moves, I've got a slow groove, on my mind.....
I want to spend some time, Not come and go in a heated rush.....
"Slow Hand" by The Pointer Sisters
O C Diver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 09:56 PM   #15
Guru
 
healhustler's Avatar
 
City: Longboat Key, FL
Vessel Name: Bucky
Vessel Model: Krogen Manatee 36 North Sea
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,196
I think the two round compression plates as others described above would do a good job, and since you can access it through the cover plate on the side, there'd probably be no problem with holding a wrench on a bolt right through the center. JB would do it too, but I'd use the butyl rubber tape as RT describes. With thick enough plates top and bottom and a husky bolt in the center, you could likely draw the metal flat, then loosen and apply whatever sealant you want. Sure wish my hole was that accessible.
healhustler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 10:04 PM   #16
Guru
 
Northern Spy's Avatar
 
City: Powell River, BC
Vessel Name: Northern Spy
Vessel Model: Nordic Tug 26
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,075
How would I fix it?

If it is aluminum, I would get down in my lazarette with some Devcon aluminum repair putty (F, I think), some coarse sandpaper and a slightly oversized aluminum patch. I would rough up the surface, and then notice that I should rebed my water fill as there is a slight water intrusion in one little area. So, I would go back up on deck remove the screws to the water fill and pry off the fill which someone bedded with 5200. I would then mix up some west system epoxy with a bit of fumed silica and slather to repair the damaged area of the deck under the fill cap. While waiting for it to set up I would then go back down in the lazarette and step on my autopilot feed back rod. While bending it back into position, I would measure up the rudder shaft to order that rudder position indicator from Comnav that I've alway had my eye on. I would then get the Western Marine (not West Marine) catalog out and get the dimensions for the gauge which goes on the helm. Noticing that I if I put my the gauge there, I won't have a place for my tablet that I found fits just perfectly by the controls, but I had to unscrew a screw so it was proud so the tablet wouldn't slide off, so I will measure the length I will require for that half round of teak that I bought from that guy who saws reclaimed old-growth teak down by Qualicum. Thinking of the teak, I will remember that I bought some teak oil from him (real teak oil that he makes by squeezing his sawdust with a grape press) and put another coat on my newly finished helm. Then my wife will call and ask me when I am coming home because supper is ready. She will ask me if I got the handrails installed. I will answer no.

Now if it is a stainless tank...
Northern Spy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 10:08 PM   #17
Guru
 
Codger2's Avatar
 
City: San Diego
Vessel Name: Circuit Breaker
Vessel Model: 2021..22' Duffy Cuddy cabin
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,691
That's pretty damn funny but Oh, so true!
__________________
Done with diesel power boats! Have fallen in love with all electric!
Codger2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2013, 11:42 PM   #18
Hospitality Officer
 
Andy G's Avatar
 
City: Pittwater
Vessel Name: Sarawana
Vessel Model: IG 36 Quad Cabin
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,897
Quote:
Originally Posted by SeaHorse II View Post
(I've also decided to run for public office! )
What, with a dark hulled boat? (Sorry, wrong thread).
Andy G is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-03-2013, 12:37 AM   #19
TF Site Team
 
FlyWright's Avatar
 
City: California Delta
Vessel Name: FlyWright
Vessel Model: 1977 Marshall Californian 34 LRC
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,728
Hey! There's nothing wrong with owning a dark hulled boat! Some compare it to coming out of the closet.

Northern Spy, thanks for the belly laugh. After reading through your post, I forgot what it was you were doing?
__________________
My boat is my ark. It's my mobile treehouse and my floating fishing cabin. It's my retreat and my respite. Everyday I thank God I have a boat! -Al FJB

@DeltaBridges - 25 Delta Bridges in 25 Days
FlyWright is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-03-2013, 05:46 AM   #20
FF
Guru
 
FF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 22,553
Fix it so its easy to undo, the next owner may require a gauge for water management.
FF is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:46 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012