Removing speedo pitot from boat help

[74corvette]

I have a 2001 SAN and want to remove the 2 speedo pitots from the boat. I already have white gelcoat to fill the holes and was checking if I need to be worried about anything else when I remove them. Thanks

[Quinner]

If they are no longer being used, assuming you have updated your gauges to GPS or paddle wheel, then have at it. I would add a dab of 4200 in all the holes on the back side to ensure you won't have any leaks.

[handman]

Old thread I know but I have a 93 SN that I am converting to GPS speedos and want to remove my pitots as well. Just curious what you ended up doing? Did you fill with 4200 then white gel coat?

[bturner]

You're going to have screw holes from the mounting and the hole that passes the tube through the transom. Depending on how you want it to look 4200 isn't going to be the ticket. If you're looking to just seal the holes the 4022 should do the job but I'm not sure Gel Coat would even adhere to 4200.

This is how I've done this type of repair in the past.....

• I start by thoroughly cleaning the entire area with solvent to get rid of any oil or wax. If it's an older boat I'll hit it with compound before the solvent to clean up the area as well. I then counter sinking all the holes. This is a bit controversial as some people don't agree with it but it has worked for me. Typically on the screw holes the gel coat ends up being a bit "proud" from the screws when tightened and counter sinking them (when removing the material around them) will typically level this out. The other reason those who agree with doing this way will say is that it give the gel coat more surface area to adhere and blend out to.
• I next tape off the area so you don't mess up the surrounding area. I use kitty hair (https://www.amazon.com/Evercoat-868-.../dp/B000Q8ICHY) to fill the through hole and try stuff some down the screw holes as well. You won't use much and will probably waste more than you use. I have a pint of the stuff that I think I've had for 20 years, still seems to work when I need it though. You'll want to fill but leave the material about a 1/8 - 1/4" below the surface. It's to try and eliminate voids, fill the holes and not part of the finish.
• Let it dry thoroughly as this needs to be completely cured before putting on the gel coat on top. Once dry mix your gel coat and fill the remainder of the hole. I try to over fill the hole a bit so the gel coat is slightly high and spread out past the actual hole you're filling. This leaves you the ability to sand and blend the gel coat into the surrounding areas.

I've never had a problem filling holes like this but some will disagree with the counter sink and probably just about everything I've stated here. This is the internet after all.....

[handman]

Thank you bturner. A wealth of information!

[Jonny Quest]

When I removed the 2 pitot pick-ups from the rear of my 2001 Ski Nautique, I wanted the through-transom holes covered and filled. So, acquired 2 round stainless steel "blanks" that were roughly the size of the pitot mounting base. I drilled holes in each "blank" so I could re-use the pitot mounting screw holes. I cleaned the through-transom holes and prepped them for 3M 4200. I liberally filled the through-transom holes and then bedded the stainless steel blanks in place and attached them with stainless steel screws.

Zero problems or leaks. Aesthetically perfect? No. One pragmatic solution that looks OEM to most.

JQ