On Tue, 07 Sep 2004 04:04:56 GMT, "John" wrote:

I have a 13' fiberglass sailboat. I bought it 3 years ago for almost
nothing because there were some serious cracks in the hull from improper
trailering. I put 3 new layers of fiberglass over it and it is fine. It
was too light before (well, at least for me anyhow) and now I really like
it; the 30 extra pounds on the bottom did a lot to improve it's stability
without making that much of a difference in speed.

I have decided it is time to fix some of the other problems. (I fixed the
cracked dagger board last year.)
1) The ropes from the jib (excuse me, I am new to sailing and don't know the
language...) go into some camcleats on a seat going across the boat.
http://www.frontiernet.net/~toller/Seat.jpg
The seat is attached to the boat by 6 screws, 2 each to little shelfs on the
sides and 2 to the daggerboard housing, and the screws are working their way
out.

I think I would remove the seat and build up the area with fiberglass
and epoxy where the screws go. You have already done fiberglass work,
just add thinckness to the area where the screws go through. You
should be able to hide the glass buildup under the seat so it will not
stick out like a sore thumb. I would also double the screw count if
possible. I would have six screws on each side, not two.

http://www.frontiernet.net/~toller/Detail.jpg
I have tried to fix it with longer screws, but it is obviously is not
adequate. I need to fill the holes with something to hold the screws
properly.
I don't know anything about boat construction, but presume there is some
wood under the fiberglass to take the screws.

Your presumption that there is wood under the glass where the seat
screws to, may be incorrect. Don't be suprised if it is only
fiberglass there and the screws are holding by one thread.

Anyhow, I need some advice on how to fix this problem before a good wind
just pulls the seat out.

Go to the library and get a book. Most libraries have good books on
this subject and this will heelp you a lot.
They probably have some good books on sailing also.
Good Luck,
Dan