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The last items I
removed were the aft rod holders. I had 2 on each side equally spaced about
halfway between the console and the transom. In between these two were a couple
pieces of starboard. I believe they were put there to replace the teak step pads
I've seen on other Makos. Anyway, I got every screw out of each rod holder
except for one. One screw on each rod holder just would not back out. I've
always suspected something was up with these holders as all four were kinda
loose and sloppy and I could never get the screws to stay tight. So I removed
the starboard pieces and confirmed my suspicions. There was an access hole cut
through the washboard. The starboard just hid it from view and of course, there
was no sealant under the starboard either. Someone with a really skinny arm
reached through and placed a lock nut and bolt on each holder in place of
stainless screws. The only reason I can think of that this was done this way is
that the original rod holder holes were drilled too large. There was really on
one screw biting on each one. So, I had to fix this.
First step was to enlarge the opening so I could get my arm in and remove the
one lock nut from each rod holder. Once I got the holders out, I ground and
tapered around each hole and cut some wood plugs out of some leftover 3/4 in
ply. I also cut plugs for the access holes
I placed a single layer of 1708 over each rod holder opening from below and allowed that to kick. Wood plugs were then bedded into each opening and glassed over. I had emptied my fourth 5 gallon container of Vinylester glassing the drain into the optional fuel tank enclosure shown in the post above. So I used Polyester resin on this part of the repair. On the access holes, I just placed two little strips on each side of the opening. It was a little ragged looking but it was just intended to support the wood plug while I glassed it from above. It served the purpose.
Those all covered over just fine. I'll re-drill them to the proper size before I begin painting. I also filled a few holes in the console top. They'd been drilled in a very haphazard and ugly fashion. I didn't like the location of the holes either. I'll re-drill in the proper spot and with the proper bit before painting.
