CONTINUOUSWAVE

Q1: will a 1.25-inch brass drain tube be too narrow to replace a [slightly larger] plastic drain tube on a 1998 MONTAUK 17?

Q2: can the the [unfilled] volume and space [in the original hole in the hull from the slightly larger drain tube] be filled with 3M-4200 adhesive?

Q3: should I use a 1.375-inch-diameter brass tube and enlarge the [drain hole in the] transom to accommodate the slightly increased diameter?


BACKSTORY (LONG)

I have a 1998 Montauk 17. Around September 7, 2024 noticed the [plastic drain] tube appeared compromised. There were drips of water seeping from the outboard end seal.

I contacted Sue Lodel for a replacement part, but she informed me that Boston Whaler had discontinued making those parts, and she said that Boston Whaler does not have an alternative figured out yet. She provided a photo of the old replacement parts and said to take notice of the diameters when ordering a brass tube replacement.

I'm assuming from her response that a brass tube replacement is the preferred method.

I do not know what diameter brass tubing I should be using. Most Boston Whaler boat drains use a 1.00-inch tube. The diameter of the end fitting that was inserted into the transom walls is 1.3125-inches and that is wider than the through-transom tube which was 1.125-inches.

The diameter of the hole through the transom appears to 1.3125-inches or more, as the fit is not perfect.

LEARNING HOW TO REPLACE A DRAIN TUBE

I have been watching Jose's Extreme DIY 20-minute-long video on replacing a drain tube and flaring. That presentation is hosted at

https://youtu.be/KSe9Qpt6ekg?si=Wu6K7vMM4QdaoRsM

[After watching the presentation] I understand [successful replacement of a drain tube will require] some trial and error to make the right flaring--but I'm up for the task. [Based on what I saw in the presentation] the flaring tool looks to be the best method [to create a flare in the brass drain tube].

Give me further direction, insight, or input [on replacing a plastic drain tube with a brass drain tube of smaller diameter in the transom of a 1998 MONTAUK 17].

DAMON--See the FAQ for advice on how to replace and install brass drain tubes.

https://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/FAQ/#Q12

Damon Mahoney wrote:Q2: can the the [unfilled] volume and space be filled with 3M4200 adhesive-sealant

The 3M4200 adhesive is probably too strong for use with brass drains, as removing them in the future will be made very difficult if the entire length of the brass drain tube becomes very strongly adhered to the transom and its wood interior.

If the existing hole and path for the drain through the hull transom is larger in diameter than the replacement brass tubing you will be using, you should probably apply a mix of epoxy resin with low-density filler to the walls of the existing hole, reducing the diameter and at the same time sealing the interior. Then enlarge the now partially filled hole to the proper diameter for the new brass tubing. Then only seal the tubing at the inboard and outboard ends.

If both ends of the hole in the transom are parallel planes, making a flare with a flaring tool should be quite simple.