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My 1987 17 Montauk has a hole drilled in the deck behind the gas tank/RPS for the fuel line to run into the tunnel. This is not the original fuel line hole, which was under the Pate tank when I bought it and now is under my Moeller tank. The hole looks like it was simply drilled (and done nicely with no chipping) but with no finish to it, i.e. no cover or sealant on the exposed fiberglass inside. I've wondered if I'm setting myself up for a soft spot in the future if I don't do something to it. What would anyone recommend? I can post a photo if it helps, but it's really just the fuel line going into a hole. Thanks.
Many dealers and some owners drilled a 1" hole aft of the gas tanks mats for the fuel line when a single large 20-24 gallon fuel tank was installed.
While a trim ring would be improve appearance, it is wise to add marine sealant to the hole to seal the fiberglass and any embedded wood that may be exposed.
Boat life of similar polysulfide caulk is good. I might try using a narrow paint brush to lather up the sides.
Thanks, Phil. I've got a tube of 4200 and 5200 at the house and have been considering just painting a light layer of one on the exposed part. Would that suffice or should I really just get something polysulfide-based?
If that is all you have and are in a pinch, yes. Remember 4200 and 5200 are adhesives first, sealant second.
If you don't have a marine store nearby I would run out to a Home Depot, Lowes, hardware store and grab some sealant from the vinyl siding section in white. While there, grab a grommet.
if you don't ever expect to use the hole I'd suggest permanently close it with an epoxy coated plug made to fit the hole. You could touch up the exposed side with a bit of gel coat or properly matched paint. Properly faired out, you'd never notice it again.
