Tightening the screws

[camomanbg]

I fish on a Boston Whaler 20' Outrage. The rails around the bow and the console are loosening up because the screws are pulling out of the fiberglass. What do you suggest as a remedy? I was thinking about using metal anchors and new screws for the metal to fiberglass and then just using a slightly larger threaded screw for the metal to metal points. Thanks for any suggestions you can provide!

[Don Supon]

That sounds as if it will workl. A stronger connector would involve (if you have access) bolts thru the gunnell with a backer plate underneath the fiberglass. Add lock-tite to the bolt threads before tighening down.

[mudflat]

If the screws will "snug up" at all I've had success using 3M 5500 sealant on the threads as a thread lock and then be careful not to overtighten the screw. Stops them from loosening up from vibration and works as an adhesive on the threads.

If you use any replacement hardware (anchors, ect) make sure they are stainless

[Big Dave]

Just mix up a little glass with the cloth threads in it and stuff it in the hole and put the screw back in? it works with wood when you put toothpicks is a hole with some glue.

[seasquirrel]

Jamestowndistributors.com has some great instructional videos on line showing you how to do that stuff.\

[Wrestling Coach]

I have a '66 Corvette which is of course fiberglass. In certain areas like door or interior trim parts the screw holes in the fiberglass can get stripped and lose their hold. I have used the PLASTIC dry wall anchors for certain trim parts and their screws. Plastic anchors on a boat would not rust of course.

Dennis

[Gill-T]

Most likely they have a nut and washer under the gunnel as screwing into fiberglass with out backing is a recipe for disaster on a load-bearing item. You might need to get a second hand to hold the nut while you tighten topside into new bedding caulk or 3m 5200 adhesive.

[camomanbg]

The inside of a whaler is filled with foam, so it's going to be pretty difficult to do anything underneath

[Gill-T]

If you cannot access the underside, sometimes you can pin the nut against the underside of the gunnel by pulling up on the loose fixure ( to keep it from spinning) while tightening the screw topside.

[FSNmachine]

My old boat had well nuts. (brass insert with rubber) When you tighten then the rubber is spread to fill the hole tight. Here is an example altough not a clear pic maybe you can get the idea.

http://www.iboats.com/Well-Nuts/dm/cart ... w_id.38222

[FSNmachine]

Here is a better example of well nuts.

http://www.spaenaur.com/pdf/sectionC/C147.pdf

[Jack]

I would try filling the holes with Marine Tex .

http://www.marinetex.com/marinetexepoxyputty.html