Gap on intake grate

[blacksapphirez]

I noticed that the intake grate on the boat is not flush with the hull. Matter a fact, there is a bit of a gap. but the bolts are tight.

do I put a silicone over the gap to smooth it out? (along with all the bolts) or not?

 

[MrMoose]

I noticed that the intake grate on the boat is not flush with the hull. Matter a fact, there is a bit of a gap. but the bolts are tight.

do I put a silicone over the gap to smooth it out? (along with all the bolts) or not?

pics would help

 

[blacksapphirez]

Towards the bow. The very front of the intake grate.

Can get pix tomorrow

 

[Speedling]

How much of a lip? I believe they are supposed to have some silicone there anyways.

 

[blacksapphirez]

See below

 

[Speedling]

That won't be crucial and probably won't even cause cavitation. May want to seal it up just for smoothness of water transition to the pump and to try and keep water from creeping up the bolt.

 

[MrMoose]

I have the newer hull design, so I can't say whether your's is ok or not. Mine is sealed up with silicone. If I were you, I'd remove the grate, clean the mating surfaces up including the removal of any old sealant that may be present, then apply some fresh silicone sealant so that you know it's done right. ... but I'm a little obsessive when it comes to these types of things.

 

[swatski]

I would leave it alone. You will NOT see any difference in your ride after sealing that.

--

 

[MrMoose]

My service manual says that it should be sealed. The "SS" in the following pic signifies silicone sealant.

 

[tdonoughue]

The sealant is coming off of mine. Not as big a gap as yours yet, but noticeable. It has not produced any difference in cavitation or any ill-effects. That said, it is on my 'to do' list to lay some silicone over it. Just in case.