Patching an enlarged drain hole?

[srfnson]

Hi everyone...first post for me.

I have a 04 bigfoot which the previous owner enlarged the rear drain holes by drilling out a similar diameter hole below and adjoining to the existing drainhole so now the hole is more of an elongated shape.

I'd like to fill the drilled hole so I can install the drainplugs and use the argo in the water.

Any suggestions what would work best?

I've ordered the TAP Plastics polyweld product and thought I could glue a piece of hdpe over the entire hole and then drill out a 5/8 hole for the plug.

Or I was considering using a plastic welder to fill the holes completely with hdpe and then drillout the drain hole in the welded material.

Any other suggestions would be mightly appreciated.

Here's a pic of the holes...sorry it's kinda hard to interpret.

[Dan67]

If you have access to a plastic welder, weld it up and re-drill it afterwards. You can drill it to 5/8" or any other size and use bait well plugs from a boat/marine store.

[philipatmaxfour]

If you have access to a plastic welder, weld it up and re-drill it afterwards. You can drill it to 5/8" or any other size and use bait well plugs from a boat/marine store.

I agree with Dan67,..or after you get it welded up you could install Argo Avenger screw in plugs, get em from a dealer or better, on ebay. Not expensive but easy to use and reliable.

[JoeMeg]

Yep,if you can plastic weld (not many glues will stick w/o lengthy preparations) you can weld a "patch" on the inside,then go outside and further weld the "slot" to the patch also. Then follow dan67's suggestion. There should be plenty or room on the inside of that Argo back there to be able to do a nice job.

Joe

[jerseybigfoot]

Any plug that is not flush with the bottom will get damaged. You may want to find an automotive body plug that fits the shape or larger.

[fmints]

When you plastic weld the hole, incorporate a brass, or metal sleeve to the tub to rest flush with the outside, this way, you can put the drain plug in from the inside and dont have to worry about the plug getting pull out. The Hustlers are made this way, and it's effective…. I never worry about lost or damaged drain plugs in my Hustler like I did when I had my Max.!

[JoeMeg]

That's a good idea too.My fiberglass Hustler is like that.Also,they are on the side as opposed to the bottom

Joe.

[srfnson]

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions.

I'll definitely plastic weld the hole and I like the idea of the brass insert. I could put the insert in the existing drain hole and just weld the open area beside it which would avoid having to drill the welded plastic for a new hole.

Any ideas on where to get the brass sleeves? Are the Hustler sleeves available aftermarket?

Thanks again.