When screw holes don't match

[Beefer]

I want to replace my currently installed 'plastic' antennae mount with a stainless steel one. The screw holes for the new SS match in width, but not in height. In other words, the top 2 will line up, but the bottom 2 will be off by half a screw hole. How would you remedy this? I was originally thinking of filling the 2 lower holes with Marine Tex, then drilling for the new. Or, filling the current holes with wood dowels, then drilling. What's your suggestion?

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: When screw holes don't match

If I was doing it. I'd use wood dowels coated with 5200 let dry then re-drill.

 

[Beefer]

Re: When screw holes don't match

Wouldn't the 5200 have too much flex for drilling/screwing?

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: When screw holes don't match

The 5200 is to seal it from water getting in.
On my antenna the screws are small.
How much movement do you think there is in that tiny hole.

 

[Bondo]

Re: When screw holes don't match

Ayuh,... Use the Marine-tex, 'n start with a blank slate...

 

[ChampionShip]

Re: When screw holes don't match

Ayuh,... Use the Marine-tex, 'n start with a blank slate...

I wasn't sure if Bond-o meant just the 2 holes or not, but I'd personally fill in all the holes and move my new mount to a spot nearby. If that's what was originally meant then I agree with it.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: When screw holes don't match

I agree with the Marine-tex. I would keep the 2 that line up, fill/sand the 2 that are off, and redrill. The marine-tex will match the off-white gel coat pretty well.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: When screw holes don't match

Why not just leave it alone and stick with the plastic mount?

 

[Fireman431]

Re: When screw holes don't match

Why not just leave it alone and stick with the plastic mount?

What fun is it to own a boat and not mess with things that are working just fine to begin with?!?

Like I tell my wife..."The boat gets whatever the boat wants".

 

[Silvertip]

Re: When screw holes don't match

Make a plate with holes that match the existing. Then add the screw holes for the new pattern in the adapter plate. If necessary, countersink the screw heads and use flat head stainless screws to avoid interference that might otherwise occur from screw heads. Don't know what material to make the plate out of?? WalMart has the plastic cutting boards in various sizes for cheap. The stuff is tough and would work fine.

 

[Beefer]

Re: When screw holes don't match

Why not just leave it alone and stick with the plastic mount?

What fun is it to own a boat and not mess with things that are working just fine to begin with?!?

Like I tell my wife..."The boat gets whatever the boat wants".

^ What he said. Plus, it looks better, and the plastic one is dirty, and I can't lower the antenna anymore with it.

Make a plate with holes that match the existing. Then add the screw holes for the new pattern in the adapter plate. If necessary, countersink the screw heads and use flat head stainless screws to avoid interference that might otherwise occur from screw heads. Don't know what material to make the plate out of?? WalMart has the plastic cutting boards in various sizes for cheap. The stuff is tough and would work fine.

The only problem with that is the unit is mounted on the outside of the cockpit, and as a walkaround, I want to keep it flush as I can. The SS also has a slightly lower profile then the plastic one.

I did use cutting board material to fix a similar issue with my gas fill. See: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=420373 for the pics.

 

[cb450sc]

Re: When screw holes don't match

How about redrilling the ones that are out of line and use bolts instead of screws? Can you get back in behind? I installed a new antenna this fall and put an aluminum plate on the back and used bolts with the nylon nuts.

 

[NYBo]

Re: When screw holes don't match

Enlarge the holes, use machine screws, nuts, and fender washers (all stainless); fill the holes with 3M 4200 in case you need to remove the mount.

My point: You should be through-bolting the mount, not relying on screws into the fiberglass.

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: When screw holes don't match

"AYUAH" Come to iboats for so many ways to "skin a cat". Visit Craigs List for final results.

 

[dingbat]

Re: When screw holes don't match

Since they are only off 1/2 a hole, the easy solution is to drill the holes out twice the size of the existing fastener and use a backing plate with tapped holes.

Easier yet. Mount the bracket using two holes. Take a drill of equal diameter to the mounting holes and use the bracket as a template to drill the new holes. You should have no problems drilling a hole in fiberglass using the holes in the mount as a drill bushing.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: When screw holes don't match

Now Beefer...aren't you sorry you asked? You should have just handled the problem, made your repair, and went on your way...

Here's how you should have done it:

http://tinyurl.com/255guvq

 

[Mark42]

Re: When screw holes don't match

I second the opinions that say to fill with epoxy and re-drill. Been there, done that. Works great. If possible, through bolt after drilling new holes.

5200 is not intended for filling holes. It is for filling and sealing small gaps between mating surfaces.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: When screw holes don't match

Well it looks like I have to redo 2 screw holes on my boat this summer then.

I thought the guy at my marina knew what he was talking about I guess NOT.

I'll ask here first from now on. .