Best way to plug hole in railing tube?

[csimmerling]

I removed my old LORAN antenna and now have a hole where the cable exited the top of the railing. What's the best pay to permanently patch or plug this to keep water from getting inside? Duct taped for now...

[Ekutney]

Not sure of a permanent method other than a weld.  Even for temporary fix I would use rigging tape with some sealant, better than duct tape.

[dfloeter]

How about a large pop rivet and tap down the edges?

[britinusa]

When I cut the rail between the port and stbd sides of the aft rail, I used a two part epoxy roll and smoothed the finish, it came out really  well.

If it's just a screw hole, then perhaps a new screw with a fillet of Butyl tape would do the job.

Curious of your choice as our boat has several holes in the rails that were left over from PO removed stuff.

Paul

[Stu Jackson]

A glob of butyl tape.

[KWKloeber]

What's the best pay to permanently patch or plug this to keep water from getting inside?

Keeping water out isn't hard to do -- a hundred choices -- looking not so bad is more difficult.

A Weld repair will look the best and if done correctly and polished will be unnoticed.

W/ a s/s flush plug?  (a cut-off bolt or stainless rod.  grind/filed off to match the OD - power polished until bright.

To make a pocket for the plug - fill the tube to create a dam (I usually use spray foam insulation where I can't get behind a panel, etc.)
Rout out an oversize hole below the OD of the rail (large enough to inject epoxy to form a strong backing/substrate to hold the stainless plug in place.) 
Fill w/ resin, none or only a little microfibers.
Drill out a 'pocket' for the plug.  Drill the hole for an "interference fit" (not "clearance fit") for your plug material -- i.e. you must tap the plug into place (so it's slightly snug w/ no gap around it.)
Epoxy the plug in place - finish the surface.

Or, work epoxy stick into the hole to form the backing, drill out the pocket.

Or make a tighter interference fit (no epoxy) --  drive the plug down until it bottoms in the tube -- cut off -- finish the surface.

kk

[Noah]

Any of those ways will work and/or cover it with your lifesling or rail mounted cup holder!

[Stu Jackson]

or rail mounted cup holder!

I've always felt those holders tended to either spill or foam the beer, much too much.   

[Noah]

Another good reason to switch to scotch!  Stu- time to vote for Beerexit!

[Stu Jackson]

Another good reason to switch to scotch!  Stu- time to vote for Beerexit!

A very wise analysis and good counsel.  Thanks.  Single malt?   

[Noah]

Yeah, you betcha!

[Jim Hardesty]

Not knowing how large the hole is, or if it's in the way of anything else.  Here's my thought for a semi permanent fix.  Go to an auto parts store and get some chrome tape.  A single wrap with the seam on the bottom will probably last the season.  A 3 foot roll will last 10 years.  Plenty of time for even me to decide on a more permanent fix.
Jim

[csimmerling]

Thanks all.
The hole is about 1/4", a bit oval and on the top of the railing.

[Ron Hill]

csim : You could also consider putting another GPS or VHF antenna in that place? 

[Roc]

Go to Lowes to the hardware section. They have many drawers with various plastic items for all sorts of things.