Posted by gchuba on 09/12/16 - 8:19 AM
#32
If you had to remove the tubes again they would be glued in place not sealed in place. Saving the through hull hole was delicate enough with the O ring design. A couple of my brass tubes failed from the foam side and the interior of the tube looked good with a visual inspection. If my tubes were 5200 in place I do believe I would ruin the surrounding area removing. The gel coat on my boat only a healthy 1/8" +- thick. The flange of the tube holds it in place. I do not believe the tubes were designed to be permanent. I do LifeSeal the heck out of it with the O ring. The water side of the tube gets installed first with generous sealant. I then flange the interior with as much sealant as possible without distorting the O ring. I found the sealant kinda acted like lubricant and the O ring would wander if I was not careful.
Garris