How should I attach my genoa tracks?

[yerffoeg]

Your advice please.

I have taken off the old genoa tracks from my boat. Several of the bolts holding the tracks had fractured or were loose. My boat is a 27 foot sloop with the tracks
attached to the toerail. The bolts were originally bonded into the fibreglass. Unfortunately the location makes it impossible to use nuts on the underside.

With regard to reattaching the new tracks, which I wish to put back in the same location (avoiding the original holes), should I use self tapping screws or should I drill oversize holes, fill with thickened epoxy and insert bolts as before? Maybe there is some other method I have not thought of?!

 

[William_H]

If you are considering self tapping screws then get a whitworth or metric tap of the appropriate size and use metal tghread SS screws into the F/G. A reversable battery drill is great for cutting the threads with the tap in the chuck. Add more screws if you have any doubt especially near the usual location of the car. regards olewill

 

[chippie]

West system epoxy has a website magazine that includes this subject. www.epoxyworks.com Bedding bolts in epoxy.

 

[adelaidem]

and use thick large washers in between the track and the deck to allow water and dirt to drain.

 

[boatmike]

Can you not move inboard a bit to allow you to drill through and put large washers and nuts on the inside? Attaching to the toe rail will make it only as strong as the toe rail fittings. You have already seen the effect of bedding in epoxy.......

 

[simonfraser]

it's gone wrong once . . . . .

i agree with boat mike, internal washers are a must

 

[john_morris_uk]

I doubt if the orginal manufacturers used epoxy. What sort of toe rail are we talking about? If there is a substantial GRP section, fixing new countersumk machine screws into thickened epoxy should be fine. I have mounted engines onto studs set into epoxy, and I know of boat builders who have mounted primary winches the same way.

Like so many things - it all depends.

 

[boatmike]

With respect John, I have also seen boatbuilders screw keels on with 1/4 inch bolts but that does not make it good practice!

 

[yerffoeg]

Many thanks for your comments.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Fair point, but it was a surveyor who pointed out what they were doing as good practice at the time. I agree, following boat builders doesn't always mean good practice!