How to fix loose screws, fittings, etc.

[tmh]

As a "fix-up know-nothing" I will likely have the most basic questions here in the restoration forum. But I need to start somewhere....

My 1985 Fiberglass 19' bowrider is in decent shape but has a few fittings coming loose. Where the bimini top attaches to the fiberglass hull top, one of the fender holders and a few more I'll find when I give it a good looking over. Mostly, it looks like the screws are just pulling out from years of use.

How do I fix these loose screws? In wood, I'd either just use a slightly bigger screw so it could find new wood to "grab" or I'd patch with wood filler or something. How is it done on fiberglass boats? Also, what type of screw is used? Are there special screws for fiberglass? What material to prevent rusting?

Lastly, say i want to add some fittings - do I just screw them into the boat or does one pre-drill pilot holes or whatever in fiberglass? How long a screw is normally used for things like railings, bimini cover fittings, etc. ?

Thanks as always.

 

[glennrow]

Re: How to fix loose screws, fittings, etc.

As a "fix-up know-nothing" I will likely have the most basic questions here in the restoration forum. But I need to start somewhere....

My 1985 Fiberglass 19' bowrider is in decent shape but has a few fittings coming loose. Where the bimini top attaches to the fiberglass hull top, one of the fender holders and a few more I'll find when I give it a good looking over. Mostly, it looks like the screws are just pulling out from years of use.

How do I fix these loose screws? In wood, I'd either just use a slightly bigger screw so it could find new wood to "grab" or I'd patch with wood filler or something. How is it done on fiberglass boats? Also, what type of screw is used? Are there special screws for fiberglass? What material to prevent rusting?

Lastly, say i want to add some fittings - do I just screw them into the boat or does one pre-drill pilot holes or whatever in fiberglass? How long a screw is normally used for things like railings, bimini cover fittings, etc. ?

Thanks as always.

for the fiberglass holes that are too big. mix up some epoxy and put it into the hole. i have also dipped the end of the screw into the epoxy and turn the screw until its about 3/4 of the way down; wait for the epoxy to set up and screw it the rest of the way down......as for the screws; always go with stainless steel...to determine the size to use, i would suggest getting the same size that the manufacturer used on the rest of the pieces......the epoxy is good stuff ( i always keep it in the boat, you never know when you may need a quick fix )...super glue makes a quick set epoxy adhesive ( .5 fl. oz. ) thats sets in 5 minutes. picked it up for under $2 at menards. right next to the jb liquid weld (also a must have )...good luck

 

[oncebitten]

Re: How to fix loose screws, fittings, etc.

I agree with glenrow on the epoxy in the hole/then reinstall the screws on all the old work. Make sure it's epoxy resins, not polyester resins. For new work, I'm not sure, wait for someone with more experience to answer.

 

[tmh]

Re: How to fix loose screws, fittings, etc.

Are you guys talking about epoxy that I need to mix from two seperate tubes? or is there an "easy to use" type from one tube? Thanks.

either way, it sounds easy enough, I just want to keep it from making a mess, so the simpler the better.

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: How to fix loose screws, fittings, etc.

If you are able to get to the backing, there should be self locking nuts that need to be tightened. If you can't get to the back, I suggest you use the next size S.S. screw. coat the screw with 3M 4300 adheisive and screw the bigger screw down. This should work well.

 

[oncebitten]

Re: How to fix loose screws, fittings, etc.

Epoxy resins are a two part resin and hardener. It sounds like Glennrow knows of a specific product- made by super glue. I buy epoxy in bulk, usually S3 or Marinepoxy, whenever I build or modify a boat, so I would mix up a batch and probably add a thickener like silica or woodflour. This approach is probably not cost effective for you if you're just doing small repairs, but maybe if you're contemplating a complete refurb. If you can get to the back of the screws/bolts, then like dmarkvid2 says, it could be easier just to through bolt. But often times, you can't get there, which is when I would use epoxy.

You should search around the web for other sites if you are considering a refurb. First figure out what kind of boat you have, what's the construction, what techniques would be best for refurbishing it, what materials will you need and where do you get them, etc. Do that before you start ripping into stuff. Just an opinion.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How to fix loose screws, fittings, etc.

on new fittings drill a pilot hole, then used a bigger bit or counter sink, make the top part just a little bigger than the screw, this keeps it from spidering the gel coat.