Anode stud replacement

[Tim O]

Hi

Im intending to replace my hull anode studs tomorrow. Having removed (eventually) the exceedingly rusty old bolts the area of hull underneath the anode had a very old thin coating of red antifoul which brushed right off. see attached picture (sorry about focus)

There is very slight crazing of the gelcoat around the holes. see attached picture.

My question is, do i need to prepare the area at all or can i go right ahead and install the studs with a squeeze of Sikaflex on the welded on square "washer" on the stud. I have seen reference to slightly countersinking the stud hole to allow more sealant to sit in the hole and form a better seal.

 

[Tim O]

By "prepare the area" I mean should it be cleaned up with anything, and should I antifoul underneath where the new anode will go?

 

[boatingdave]

I wouldn't worry about anti-foul under the anode, theoretically water won't touch it as there should be a gasket. I would apply Silkaflex as suggested in and around the hole.

 

[Tim O]

Yes I have the plastic foam gasket so that was my thoughts too re antifoul...so I needn't clean the GRP with acetone or anything to aid adhesion of the Sikaflex?

 

[ex-Gladys]

Just slap Sikaflex on and shove in. If you're single handed, when you put the internal nuts on, I spin on the nut that will secure the stud, then use a pair of old nuts at the end of the thread locked off to hold the stud whilst tightening the first nut.

 

[Tim O]

Nice tip! I will be singlehanded....hope I kept y old nuts!