Engine Change and Bilge Maintenance

[Captain Blood]

I dropped my 241 offshore off for a new 350 engine to be put into it. I advised the mechanic to call me when he pulls the engine so I can get in the boat and clean up the bilge and do some routine maintenance.

After I clean the bilge up and make it nice and pretty I was thinking about adding a new layer of fiberglass in the general area under the engine. What do I have to do to prep that area for new glass, and how would I go about adding some added protection to that area? Can I just paint some resin on that area, or do I need to put down the fiberglass cloth too?

Any other suggestions for a protective coating in that area instead of adding a layer of new glass would be welcome also.

There is no damage under the engine that I can tell, and there is no apparent delamination of the existing hull. I just want to make that area at the bottom of the transom extra good as we all know that is where trouble starts first. By the way, the boat is a 1982 model and my hat is off to Grady White for making a superior product that still looks great!

 

[wilson]

i repowered my old trophy (bayliner) a few years ago. i powerwashed the bilge and let it dry in the sun all day. then painted with a couple of coats of bilge paint (grey) it's still on and looks great with a new clean motor above it. it's a epoxy paint and seals up the glass. i have seen a few new boats that have gel coated bilges, real nice. good luck with the project.

 

[jehines3]

I did my Seaswirl on a motor swap as well. Make sure you plug any and all holes especially the motor mount lag holes, you don't want to force water down that could lead to rot issues. Any unused hole either fill with epoxy and let cure or 5200 and a proper screw.

This is also the time to change your bilge pump and switch.

Take a shop vac, scrub brushes, and degreaser. I even needed some brake cleaner to get off some stubborn stuff. Be armed as it is a nasty job. jh