I think you are talking about installing a couple of small pad eyes.
Without knowing what your access is or where you are wanting to
install the pad eyes, it is generally a good idea to avoid creating a
potential for water to work it's way into the core. If you can,
install backing plates or something that will help distribute the
load. The general rule is to drill slightly oversize holes, then fill
with epoxy (having taped the bottom of the holes). When the epoxy
sets up into a solid core, drill a slightly smaller hole through the
epoxy plugs just large enough for the bolt. In this way, water should
not wick into the core, if you have a cored area. A backing plate
which distributes the load should help avoid stressing the the glass.
Don't use self tapping screws. That is a poor way to attach deck
hardware and will likely create bigger problems down the road.

On 15 Apr 2004 02:14:17 GMT, (Veridican) wrote:

I want to put in some hiking straps. This means I have to screw a couple of (I
don't know what they're called) fittings onto the deck of my boat. Here's the
question: if I want to have a bolt and a nut, how do I get behind the deck
surface to hold the nut while I turn the bolt? Should I just use self-tapping
screws and put some sealant on them? Does that make a strong attachment?

I mean, what if one of the shroud u-bolts broke? Would they have to separate
the deck from the hull to install new ones?


The Veridican