Just got the 26m home

[Timmay]

Well,
After 2 x 5 1/2 hour drives and 2 hours of sailing/boating, the is happily in my driveway.
I decided to go through things today a notice 2 holes that I am not sure what they are. Each hole is about 4 inches above each rudder and they look like they are threaded. Can anyone clue me in?
Also, I need to install a transducer. I searched the mods and forum but could not clearly find an anwer. When mounting it to the stern, do you need to use sealant or anything on the screws/holes? I see where people have mounted them but have seen any info on this. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance. Timmay!!!

[markh1f]

Congratulations on the new boat... Not sure about the holes, could be drains from the rudder shaft. Definitely use 5200 sealant on any screws your putting into the hull especially below the waterline but I use it everywhere. Also look at mounting the transducer closer to the center line, there is a lot of water swirling around the back corners of the hull that can affect the transducer.

Fair Winds,
Mark

[Hardcrab]

If you M is like mine, you can crawl back in the aft bunk and see that those holes are covered with 5200 or something.
Not sure why they are there in the first place.
Some have talked about drain holes for the rudder lines, but I'd think it's not easy to drain through the factory applied 5200.
Many, many answers about the xducer.

If you want in the water for best results and don't mind holes in the hull, go for it, but use sealer on the screws.

For no hull holes, go inside the boat and epoxied to the floor or using the "water cup" idea, but not over any ballast area.

An in the water mount with no hull holes can be had by mounting the xducer to the ballast fill valve.
The short 2" nipple on the valve allows for drilling and easy access to any nut fasteners used.

[c130king]

Timmay,

Does it look like this?



If so then check this thread: Holes in Boat

Congrats on getting the boat home and good luck getting it all fixed up.

Cheers,
Jim

[Timmay]

Thanks for the quick response, I didn't even think about doing a search for "holes in the boat". LOL Yep, thats them.

Timmay!!!

[Timmay]

Thanks everyone,
So I take it 5200 sealant is considered the duct tape (fixes all) in the boating world.

[Cheryl McChesney]

The "Mystery Holes" are vent holes for the rudder dam inside the boat. When motoring fast in the 26M, like the M19, the internal rudder post needs to be inside a dam as water builds up inside and the holes releive the dam so that water does not go inside the boat! Do not plug them up! They are very important and the boat is designed to have them. If anything make sure that they are not plugged with dirt or anything else. You guys with the 26X do not have the mystery holes because your rudders are external. Kinda a boy versa girl thing! Also yes, very important use 3M5200 Marine sealant on ANY hole you drill in your boat. Sealant is important below the waterline but also important above to keep out rain leaks. Hope you enjoy your new boat! Feel free to call me direct at BWY if you have questions as I would be happy to help you out. Cheryl

[Blue Reef]

Timmay,

Congratulations on your purchase.

When installing our transducers our electrician does not drill all the way through the transom. There is enough meat there to attach the transducer without drilling right through. We don't like drilling holes right through the hull unless we have to. Still use the goo as it will keep the water out of the drilled hole (unprotected fibreglass).

As most people have done, install the transducer on the port side so passengers are not tempted to use it as a step.

Cameron

[Timmay]

Thanks Cameron,
Any idea on how the screws need to be?
Cheryl, I am sending you a PM. Timmay!!!

[Blue Reef]

Maybe 12mm?? I am just going off memory from watching him do it a bunch of times. There is a bit of meat in her stern. It has to be strong to hold onto 60 horses!

Cameron

[Timmay]

Unfortunately I only have 50 horses, the other 10 stayed in the stable.