Screw in fiberglass ?

[Matt Garcia]

Hey guys I was hoping I could get some help. The screw in my one of my shocks has wiggled its way out of the starboard walkway hatch. I can no longer screw the screw back in since the fiberglass is somewhat stripped, making a loose connection between the two. My question is what should I use to screw this back in properly?

I was thinking a bigger screw or maybe some sort of "glue" along with the screw? Any ideas? Thanks guys.

[mcd]

Fill the hole with an epoxy or some other type of filler and drill it out again. Or if you can get to the back side install a "T" nut and through bolt it. Good luck.

[spharis]

Or a bigger screw. Nut and bolt works better long term.

[SHIPYARD]

def. thru bolt it!

[CP3]

JB WELD. mix it up, fill it in and let it set.

[Big Wave]

A little resin with some fierglass cloth cut up and mixed in will work well. let it set up a couple days then re drill the hole. through bolt would be the best if you can do it.

[mtnsmith]

through bolt if possible other wise you could use 3m 5200 or 4200. The 5200 is one of the strongest adhesives for marine use, so if you ever think you might want to take it out use 4200. You could also put a small bead of 5200 on the back side of the bracket and let it help adhere it to the fiberglass.

[kko]

2 part epoxy called marine tex mix it fill the hole. let it dry . drill small pilot hole. reinstall screw.

[mtnsmith]

Oh yeah, forgot about marine tex, you can usually find it in small tubes so you don't have to buy the jars...which make up way more than you would ever need.

[spharis]

I think filling with epoxy is overkill.

Bolt, Nylock and have a beer.

[da.bell]

Or a bigger screw. Nut and bolt works better long term.

I like this one better and will be a lot stronger in the long run.

[xpjim1]

Along a similar question, I had a Bimini screw in my tower strip out. It holds the litle clasp to attach the bimini strap to. What would be best to fill with so I could drill again. Currently using a zip tie around the tower to attach too and looks a little ghetto. Sorry no pictures as the boat is 300 miles away?

[spharis]

As in it goes into the metal with no backing?

If that's the case, get a set of taps and dies and retap the hole to accept a larger tapered bolt or screw, or get a little larger self tapping screw.

[mneal]

Put a thread insert (helicoil) in it. Will require drilling it out and re-tapping hole but better then new when you are done. The installation tools are pricey but if you know anyone with a machine shop you are friendly with they may lend you the installation tool. What size is the screw?

Along a similar question, I had a Bimini screw in my tower strip out. It holds the litle clasp to attach the bimini strap to. What would be best to fill with so I could drill again. Currently using a zip tie around the tower to attach too and looks a little ghetto. Sorry no pictures as the boat is 300 miles away?

[chpthril]

Put a thread insert (helicoil) in it. Will require drilling it out and re-tapping hole but better then new when you are done. The installation tools are pricey but if you know anyone with a machine shop you are friendly with they may lend you the installation tool. What size is the screw?

A #8 sheetmetal screw I think.

Go with a larger (#10) self taping sheetmetal.

[Ruune]

Matt: if you through bolt it (which you should), coat the screw with silicon before you push it through, and be sure to use a washer on the other side. Also, dont worry about excess silicon on the back side and beneath the plate- the idea is to absorb vibration and seal the hole.

[Matt Garcia]

Did I mention this is the walkway hatch that people walk on. I definitely don’t want a bolt sticking out the other side.


I am not sure if a bigger screw will work or not, I will have to see. Although the epoxy of Marine tex maybe the ticket. Thanks for the replies.

[flackpack]

Matt - Try wrapping the screw with nylon thread tape like you use for plumbing. In the Fiberglass, it will fill the void, and create a lock. You can even do this with the through-bolt idea. That way the new bolt won't wiggle around in the enlarged hole and make your fiberglass crack behind the plate.

[Matt Garcia]

Matt - Try wrapping the screw with nylon thread tape like you use for plumbing. In the Fiberglass, it will fill the void, and create a lock. You can even do this with the through-bolt idea. That way the new bolt won't wiggle around in the enlarged hole and make your fiberglass crack behind the plate.

Cool thanks Brad. BTW, I still have your wetsuit!

[Happyboater]

Definately through bolt it. You should have less chance of messing up the gel coat.

[spharis]

Someone might stub a toe though :(

Do you still have the old screw? Run it over to teh home depot and get one a little fatter, wrap it in some thread tape. Call it done.

[CP3]

If he thru bolts it, wont it be coming up on the other side of the transom walk thru? why would you want to do that?

[SPBFAN]

When it comes to fiberglass stuff like this the best way is to make your hole bigger. Get some fiberglass sheeting and shred it to small pieces, Mix it with resin, shove the mixture into the hole and then put a couple 6"X 6" pieces of fiberglass over that while it is all wet. Let it dry for a good day or two. Then sand it down and re drill the hole. It will be stronger than new.

[Matt Garcia]

Someone might stub a toe though :(

Do you still have the old screw? Run it over to teh home depot and get one a little fatter, wrap it in some thread tape. Call it done.

That is what I am going to do. Thanks guys.

[Guest]

Without seeing the hole size I would go to the Hardware store and get a self tapping sheet metal screw two sizes larger than the original..

[kko]

Along a similar question, I had a Bimini screw in my tower strip out. It holds the litle clasp to attach the bimini strap to. What would be best to fill with so I could drill again. Currently using a zip tie around the tower to attach too and looks a little ghetto. Sorry no pictures as the boat is 300 miles away?

jim i have found the best fix for any screw problems on the bimini to be rivets have had much better luck ive tried lock tight on screws and all types shapes and size screws they always back out i have yet to have a rivet issue.

[xpjim1]

jim i have found the best fix for any screw problems on the bimini to be rivets have had much better luck ive tried lock tight on screws and all types shapes and size screws they always back out i have yet to have a rivet issue.

Thanks.