question about fastening tops to decks?

[pelican]

Originally Posted by GodsReel

Anyone ever heard of tapping the deck and using machine screws to fasten a t-top to deck, the guy who built my top and tower claims he has found this is better than wood screws. my deck was recently recored with nidacore and marine plywood (where console and tops would mount) I know that thru bolted would be ideal and i am looking into that. He tapped through the fiberglass and wood or nidacore and used either 1" or 1 1/4" stainless machine screws. I
need your thoughts.
thanks Paul

nida core : basically made from recycled milk jugs,held with a light scrim bcking - this produt will NEVER hold a screw,or any othr kind of fastener - the fiberglass skin on both the top and the bottom will - however,i would never trust it...thru bolting and sleeving is the way to atach someting,when nidacore is used...

there's a trick when working with aluminum or solid fiberglass - if you're gonna use a 1/4 - 20 machine screw,just drill a 3/16 hole,insert the screw,and send it home,it will "tap" either aluminum of solid fiberglass - ocean yacht used this method alot...


no offense:
nida core is a product i treat like kryptonite...here's what it looks like...

i'm gonna guess the reason for the mix of core materials is due to what i stated concerning nidacore - not to second guess anyone,but,using a mix of cores - composite and wood is a little strange - normally,when using a composite,the core is removed in the area the fastener is going to be located,that area is filled with thickened epoxy,the epoxy will hold a screw...