Thru bolt hull to top - advice wanted

[dsharp]

able1111, if the hull and cap are still bonded I would leave it alone. Lifecaulk is fine, we used it at the boatyard for years. The only thing I would rec. is to drill and tap the fiberglass, then flat washer and nylock nuts. You can get a 3 piece tap set from morse and use the starter tap then the main tap. You won't need the bottom tap but I don't think they make a 2 tap set. Just put a little caulk on the threads and under the head and it will be plenty strong. If you're worried about it go from a #10 to #12 flat head ss screw. Remember the joint has to be tight before you tap. You can use a slow speed drill on the tapping. Afine thread fastener will work better imho

[abl1111]

Got it. A question: if I am using a bolt, why would I need to tap the hole ? Wouldn't it be just as good to use a drill bit that snugly fits the #10 SS bolt ?

And, what is your feeling about pulling the current, old screws, re-screwing new ones in and then thru bolting between each of the screws ? Or, should I just pull the old screws and bolt thru those holes ?

Thx to you and all the other people who have chimed in. I appreciate your advice.

[TUGBOAT]

Put New screws in New holes You can use the bolts thru the Old screww holes.I put the screws in backed them out then screwed them Home !Tap ? I felt that the same size holes as the bolts would not PULL the 2 halves together as tight.

[dsharp]

able, If the fit is snug there is nothing wrong with just driving the screws in. If you can drive the screws in without stripping the heads out you don't have to tap them. As brad pointed out if everything is not pulled up tight if you thread it it's not going to pull up snugly. It just makes the job a little easier to get the washers and nuts on if you don't have to worry about shoving the bolt back through. If you use a self locking nut it's going to turn into a two man job anyway. If the the old screws aren't bent or it doesn't look like the joints been working I don't think you need to worry about adding more fasteners unless you're going to the flemish cap in october.

[Ikan Besar]

I think I overdid it, but maybe thats the way everything should be done on a boat, OVERDONE.

agreed!