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Need to back out screws for the railing to hull. What caulk should I use- thinking 5200, then redrill?? This is forward railing and both aft screw sets are loose. Thanks
Boston Whaler put wood backing in where those screws are and if the screws are loose there was probably no sealant and the wood has deteriorated. Remove the screws and fittings. Drill out the screw holes oversize, maybe 3/4 to an inch deep. Use a drill bit that is just large enough to remove the deteriorated material but not so large that when you replace the fitting the repair will show. Fill the hole with Marine a Tex or marine epoxy and when it cures drill new holes. Use a marine bedding compound, not silicone, in the hole and under the fitting and it should out last you. I have found that whenever I drill a screw hole into fiberglass I use a taper bit to bevil the edge of the hole and this helps prevent gelcoat cracking. Always make sure you're using the correct size bit for the screw size.
I winter in Ft. Myers and summer in St. Joseph, Michigan. It’s now about 12 years since I’ve joined this group. I gave my 1972 whaler to my daughter and sold the 17’. Bought an O’Day 28 sailboat and sailed on Lake Michigan. Yesterday I bought a 2005 130 Sport.
Wing's advice is good, and it is what I also do. I use White Marine Tex, and for a #10 screw, I would drill out 3/8", and be sure to go all the way through the glass and plywood. This will give you a totally waterproof "plug" into which you insert the screw, so water cannot get to the remaining plywood. The rule of thumb is to drill out twice the diameter of the fastener.
