[jbanta]

I have the same type set up on my Lancer. I have had to remove the toe rail for some repair work.After the toe rail was repaired, I refilled each screw hole with epoxy. Drilled a small pilot hole filled that with silicon filler and put the stainless steel screws back to hold the rail. I didn''t tap anything the screws were self tapping (not like they are going into steel plate). The rail in back on, tight, and (so far) water tight. I am not expedcting any trouble from it. The epoxy is stronger that the area was before I started this operation at least so says the fiberglass guy at the yard where I did this. I am stumped trying to figure out why you would tap the screw holes... Bedding each screw is a must. I bed all my thru hulls top or bottom as thick as I can without making a mess of everything. Good luck on your project...