Cockpit enclosure attached via self tappers

[jac]

Discovered that our cockpit enclosure is secured to a metal frame, the hinges of which are simply screwed into the aft cabin by self tappers. One of these has come loose and suspect that the leak on the other side may originate from it's partner on the starboard side also starting to let go.

Removing the headlining is a pain but it feels to me that the best plan would be clean out the existing holes, fill with swindleries finest epoxy then drill new holes and install the mountings using bolts onto some large penny washers and some sika 291.

I'm not sure if there is sufficient space for a backing pad without distorting the headlining and the self tappers have lasted for at least a year since we had the boat and maybe 15 years old so not sure that the self tappers did such a bad job.

So does that sound reasonable? Should a backing pad be on regardless. Or just replace with what was there.

 

[PCUK]

Self tappers of the correct size into fibreglass are very strong. Consider that trim tabs on power boats are usually secured with large self tappers. It may need nothing more than larger screws into the fibreglass with a smear of Sikaflex to lubricate them as they are driven in and then to seal once it cures.

 

[nigelmercier]

Depending on the thickness, I would look into drilling out the holes and fitting some sleeve nuts in with epoxy. I can only find them for furniture construction, eBay 181392319816

 

[Uricanejack]

When I had my boat surveyed my surveyor said some very rude things about boat canvas makers.
Those little stud tings held by self tappers. ? grrrrr.
My advisor at the boat yard recommended drilling out with over sise drill. then filling with epoxy.
On going task.

 

[oldsaltoz]

Re drill, fill with Araldite, after curing drill correct size hole and refit. Job done.

 

[VicS]

When I put self tappers into GRP

I make the pilot hole a generous size

I drill a good sized clearance hole through the gel coat .... which can crack and fall out in large pieces otherwise.

I fit the screws with a dab of epoxy. It seals them in and helps to stop the GRP crumbling away. I don't clean them so they are not stuck in and can always be removed easily later if necessary.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Often wondered if Hollow Wall Fixings like these would be better than just a self tapping screw straight into the GRP skin of a boat might be a better/stronger way.

http://www.plasplugs.com/acatalog/Hollow_Wall_Fixings.html

 

[jac]

So general, advice here seems to be to repair the holes that exist at present re drill and use self tappers again.

 

[nigelmercier]

So general, advice here seems to be to repair the holes that exist at present re drill and use self tappers again.

Not in my experience. At least it doesn't work with Araldite, it's way too soft.