The screw holes that bolt the ram on our trim tabs to the transom are stripped out. Should we through-bolt the rams or put some 5200 on the trheads and use the current screws? I do not like trhough-bolting anything that is below the water line. It seems that you are just asking for problems. BTW, the actual bolts that hold the trim tabs in place are through-bolted.

I think through bolting is fine as long as its done right. On the larger holes I always use West system epoxy to seal the sides of the hole before use. I would use plenty of 4200 on the bolts inside and out and use a backing plate inside or large fender washers.

mine are through bolted

Anthing that needs to be strong or real is through bolted. If they would have done that the first time you would not have the problem now.

Through bolts will not be any more likely to leake water into the transom then a screw so I would bolt them in there.

Jon