Stripped screw hole

sklamar · #1 (**permalink**) 05-24-2002

My swing centerboard is attached to the fiberglass deck with plates that are attached with screws. I went to take out one of the screws and it pulled right out. How can I fix the hole in the fiberglass to fit the screw again?

MaryBeth · #2 (**permalink**) 05-24-2002

Best case scenario - you repair the hole (and remaining holes) with fiberglass filler and redrill the holes.

There is a product called MarineTec that you can use to fill the one hole left by your stripped screw, then redrill it. While not as strong as a total repair, it will fix the problem quickly and is strong enough to last quite a bit.

In any case, when drilling holes in any area of your fiberglass, please be sure to use something like 5200 to fill the holes. Has a great holding power and provides a moisture barrier to keep water from getting into your laminate.

MaryBeth

sklamar · #3 (**permalink**) 05-24-2002

Mary Beth-
Can I use something like Marine Goop to fill the hole?
Also, what about using Marine Goop to patch small (1/2 in.) scratches in the fiberglass hull?

Thanks a bunch

Shaman · #4 (**permalink**) 05-30-2002

We have a similar problem with our 22 yr old Magellan, except the holes are in the mast, the traveler T-rail, etc. The bronze has either broken, or the hole is just stripped. I saturate the hole, and fill the hole with teak, also saturated with epoxy, then re-drill, or just before the mix is completely dry, re-insert the screw, or a new one, and wait till the whole is fully set to tighten the screw down. So far this process has been stronger than the original. When filling a hole, or drilling a hole in a spruce mast, it is also reccomended that a similar process be used, which is actually stronger than the spruce..
Good luck

Shaman