Loose bits of wood

[madian]

The bits of wood that hold the sliding hatch in place have started to wobble.

I am worried about water getting into the deck/boat and also the security aspect.

I have looked under the head liner and there are no bolts so it must be screwed down.

My question is: should I remove it completely by drilling to expose the existing screws and try to tighten them up or would it be ok to just drill througth the wood and refix, presumably with some kind of self tapers.

The boat is a Hunter Delta, any advice greatly appreciated.

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[chippie]

I think it would pay to remove the pieces of wood as you will then be able to correctly identify the problem and then bed them in a waterproof sealant when you refit them. If they are screwed on there will probably be bungs that you can carefully remove to get at the screws. Have a really good look at it all before you start.

Cheers

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[Evadne]

I would remove the wood as well. If it was put on by a boatbuilder then you should be able to remove and replace it. If the screws are plugged (wooden cylinders concealing the countersunk heads) then you can buy these plugs from a woodyard/Chandlers or buy a plug bit and make them yourself. If it is screwed down and has come loose, I'd consider through-bolting it as well. Use A4 s/s bolts, brass is not strong enough for this application.

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