BoatBanter.com - View Single Post - putting screws into new fiberglass repair

Bruce in Bangkok[_12_]

On Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:25:38 -0800 (PST),
wrote:

I am about to finish up a moderate fiberglass deck repair and am
curious about fastening the mounts for the post seats. After I put
the carpeting back down, how do I put in the screws without breaking
the waterproof seal in the new fiberglass? Thanks for the help.

It is probably not the best plan to use screws into fiberglass. Better
to use bolts with a backing plate of some sort. If the deck is
fiberglass over wood, foam, or anything else that might absorb water
the usual recommendation is to drill out the hole oversize and fill it
with epoxy filler - maybe epoxy resin mixed with one of the higher
strength additives. After the filler hardens then sand flush and drill
your hole, use some sort of sealant and mount your part.

The reasoning is when it begins to leak the core of the deck will not
become saturated and deteriorate.

Of course if it is solid fiberglass just drill the hole and use a dab
of sealant as solid fiberglass will not absorb significant amounts of
water when used above the water line.

Cheers,

Bruce in Bangkok
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)