Screws in bottom of haul! Help.

First: I apologize for saying haul not hull. My auto correct keeps changing it. I'm glad someone took the time to point that out to me :) Second: Thanks everyone for the replies. I was very stressed out over the past 24 hours and after reading your replies things are definitely better. The Plan: Boat is being hauled out on Sunday. I'm taking the advice of many of you who said have him pull the floor up. I have to admit, yes I was pissed (anyone would be), the owner of the company is doing everything to make it right. It was one of his installers who actually did it, but its still his company and its still his fault. The owner is meeting me Sunday to pull the floor. He is removing the screws and I'm going to fill them in using marine tex. He is going to install the floor but will use small SS screws. I'm also going to repair the outside of the hull myself. Sand, apply marine tex and paint.
 
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KC_Sundancer said:
:lol:

On the good side - there were only (4) long screws left for his issue. :smt101
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MAYBE!!!

Humph brings up a VERY interesting point that I missed completely. How many screws are through the glass just scratching the backside of the gelcoat? A few good poundings in the Northern Chesapeake and the repair bill could get really nasty really fast.
 
dpmulvey said:
MAYBE!!!

Humph brings up a VERY interesting point that I missed completely. How many screws are through the glass just scratching the backside of the gelcoat? A few good poundings in the Northern Chesapeake and the repair bill could get really nasty really fast.
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That would be my concern too. I'm thinking any screws (even short) could cause an issue with starting stress points in rough water.
That's the primary point of impact. Gluing or bonding would eliminate that possibility, my thoughts anyway. :huh:
 
[video=youtube;N4lccS6Nk1Y]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4lccS6Nk1Y[/video]
 
The screws will have broken the glass. Filling the holes will not fix the glass it will make hard spots in the hull.
We used to fiberglass the floors of oil storage tanks and when you damaged the glass you cut it out. Fiberglass is one of those items that it is very hard to find failure lines.
If the holes form a line you might possibly land up with a failure propagating along the screw line.
As noted by some a professional is required.
 
This definitely calls for pics.... Maybe I'm not thinking about this right but I just can't visualize how installing flooring in the cabin areas that are now carpeted could ever come anywhere near the hull(at least on my boat). I don't get it, but I certainly wouldn't want bunch of screws indiscriminately driven into the hull... probably with no sealant, not sure how deep...
 
The company who did this to your boat has insurance....you need to put in a claim and get everything repaired right !!
 
Update: Been on the phone all day. I have a professional fiberglass company meeting me on Sat with the owner of Nuteak (company that installed floor). Not going to stress anymore. Just want boat fixed right. I guess I wanted to do the work to get it done and back in the water. Like many of you stated, I'll rather give up a week or two to get the job done right. Wanted to post pictures but having problems uploading. Will keep everyone updated. Thanks again everyone
 
Post pictures to photobucket then add a link to your posts.
 
Glad you are getting it fixed correctly. Wise move.
Other than the holes in the boat does it seem to be a good product.
I have seen it once on interior floor. The installing company required all new subfloor as they said any bump would show. It looked very good.
 
Nuteak removed about 4 square feet of flooring (location of screws), and six screw which caused the issue. Fiberglass company starting the glass work and repairs tomorrow. Nuteak laying new floor in the area but will not use screws in that area. Will keep everyone updated.
 
I agree that you're getting it done professionally. I would also make sure all of the screws are removed. Good luck.
 
Whit-Ness said:
Nuteak removed about 4 square feet of flooring (location of screws), and six screw which caused the issue. Fiberglass company starting the glass work and repairs tomorrow. Nuteak laying new floor in the area but will not use screws in that area. Will keep everyone updated.
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Good choice. Pictures!
 
I'm on my first boat, and as a licensed aircraft mechanic, I am just shocked at the poor quality of repairs I see on my own 300DA. Since marine mechanics don't need any license, some of them also don't seem to care or know what they are doing.

I'm with the other posters that you have to repair it right to be safe. That means removing those screws and also INSPECTING the others that they installed at least in that area. How many others are screwed "almost" all the way through your hull? Fix it right, and then post the name of the company and mechanics that did such dangerous work so others might be saved from them.
 
Every time I try to drill through fiberglass, I either break the drill bit or twist off the screw head or strip out the Philip head. And that's through a 1/2 inch or less of fiberglass. It amazes me that he screwed through the hull without predrilling the holes. Its one of those things that you can't really do without knowing. I've accidentally breached a piece of plywood, MDF, or particle board with a screw, but don't think it is possible with a fiberglass hull.
 
Bucit said:
+1 Remove the screws and do it right if not you may have wet spots where the screws are. If the screws were left and started to rust they would swell up and may allow moisture to get in the hull. I would hire a professional and have the flooring company pay for it.
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+ 2 So sorry to hear of your problem, some folk today just plain careless.
 
JV II said:
Every time I try to drill through fiberglass, I either break the drill bit or twist off the screw head or strip out the Philip head. And that's through a 1/2 inch or less of fiberglass. It amazes me that he screwed through the hull without predrilling the holes. Its one of those things that you can't really do without knowing. I've accidentally breached a piece of plywood, MDF, or particle board with a screw, but don't think it is possible with a fiberglass hull.
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That a good point that I hadn't considered. They almost had to have pre-drilled through that fiberglass in order to get those screws to penetrate all the way through a hull.
 
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