Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by joe morency on 08/26/14 - 6:38 AM

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

Posted by wing15601 on 08/26/14 - 7:33 AM

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.

Posted by Finnegan on 08/26/14 - 3:22 PM

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.

Posted by Whalerbob on 08/27/14 - 4:37 AM

Wing, I use pretty much the same method (with epoxy) but use 5200 when reinstalling the rail. What bedding compound do you recommend and why not 5200?

Posted by Phil T on 08/27/14 - 7:23 AM

3M 5200 is an adhesive and sealant.

You don't need the adhesive part. Just use a Boat Life or 3M's 101 or Sikaflex or West Marine sealant.

Edited by Phil T on 08/27/14 - 7:23 AM