Fiberglass question

[tn shenanigans]

Hi
The hatch over the ladder on the swim platform has come off as the the screws stripped out and left small holes where the screws go. I purchased a fiberglass repair kit however it was not strong enouugh to hold... Any suggestions


Scott

 

[dc380]

Buy some Marine Tex Epoxy, completely fill in the holes. Allow to completely dry. Sand it smooth, than re-drill to the correct diameter, and re-attach.

 

[Glen S]

A couple of possible solutions:
1) Fill the screw holes with Epoxy and re-drill and re-attach with screws. If you get a strong epoxy this should work but I'm not sure the holding power in the long term.
2) Re-drill the hinge to re-position the holes to screw into fresh fiberglass - I am assuming here that the hinge design woudl actually permit this.
3) I am not sure what your swim platform configuration is - is there any way you can through-bolt the hinges rather than relying on screws. Possible there is access on the underside to use a nut, bolt and washer?

Good luck with the repair.

 

[tobnpr]

Second the through-bolting if possible.

 

[88 AmberRay]

Second the through-bolting if possible.

Through-bolting would be best.
If not, go to the next size larger & longer screw.

 

[fwebster]

Guys, its not the ladder that is loose; just the hatch covering it. Thru-bolting is overkill since you are dealing with a piano hinge and about #8 screws.

The best and easiest fix is to get some West Systems epoxy and fill the holes with a small diameter syringe. As the epoxy cures, it will form a slight depression in the center of the hole making a pilot for redrilling. Then reinstall the screws and you are done.

 

[tn shenanigans]

Thanks!!