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Here are two approaches that I've used on my 1967 Nauset railings... The first one works for quite some time but may have to be repeated if you encounter heavy seas that batter the boat. The second is more time consuming but definately more permanant if done correctly.
1. Pull the lose railing leg off to the side and tie them out of the way. Take slivers of oak and knock them into the hole until you can fit no more. Re-install the leg with stainless wood screws.
2. Remove the bow rail as one assembly. Take a 12d finish nail and put a 90degree bend in it. Attach this nail in your drill and insert it in the screw hole. Run the drill while moving the nail up and down inside the hole loosening up the foam inside the fiber glass. (Your looking to make a cavity approximately 1 1/4" in diameter by 1 1/2" - 2" deep) After you've loosened the foam, use a shop vac to remove as much of the foam pieces as possible. You may want to enlarge the hole at this time to make removal of the foam easier. Mix up some epoxy resin and pour it into the cavity until it is full. Allow this to cure to full strength. After curing, drill and tap the resin for a 3/16th stainless steal machine screw. Re-install your railing and you should not have any further problems.
Hope this helps,
Norm
1999 280 Conquest w/twin 225 Mercs
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