SWIM PLATFORM BOLT PULLED OUT

[SPYKE-KPT]

I have a 1988 20' grady white, with a swim platform. My friend (all 270lbs worth) got up on my swim platform and the top screw came out. I can't seem to feel it underneath the side to see if it is hollow so I can get a toggle bolt in there. There was a just a regular screw right into the fiber glass. It looks like a bad design. Doe's anyone know how to fix this? Thank's

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: SWIM PLATFORM BOLT PULLED OUT

Mix up some MarineTex and fill the hole. Then use a new screw to fasten it down. I can't believe a quality builder like Grady White didn't use a backing plate to mount it. Must have been added later. Go over to George Bush's house and see if he'll let you use his boat while yours is being fixed.

 

[SPYKE-KPT]

Re: SWIM PLATFORM BOLT PULLED OUT

Thank's Jack, Have you tried this before? And what would you think if I put the marinetex in and then put the screw in before it dried. Just let it dry around it. Do you think this would work better? And I don't think george will go for that.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: SWIM PLATFORM BOLT PULLED OUT

I would thru-drill it and add a backing plate with stainless hardware. You'll never have to worry about it again. Gluing the stripped out screw into place with marine tex is a temporary fix IMO.

 

[SPYKE-KPT]

Re: SWIM PLATFORM BOLT PULLED OUT

I wanted to do that but I can't seem to feel where the screw is. I dont know if it is hollow back there or not.

 

[navigator336]

Re: SWIM PLATFORM BOLT PULLED OUT

The screw probably is not long enough to go all the way through the transom which is why you can't feel it. If it pulled out of the fiberglass it will pull out of marinetex. If you can reach the area where you think the hole should be, I'd drill a pilot hole all the way through (1/16" hole) then stick a wire through so that you can feel it. If it is accessible, then use a bolt and a big fender washer with a nylok nut. If you can't reach it, I'd make two small plates out of stainless with three holes in them (one for each side of the step). Attach the step to the center hole (plate countersunk from the backside with a flat head SS screw and nylok nut. Then run two screws into the transom.