Loose Floorboards

[Guest]

The plywood floorboards in the saloon of our yacht are loose due to the screws being loose (18 years old).I want use bigger screws to get a good fix is this advisable or should I fill the existing holes in the hull and re-drill?If so what should I use as a filler?


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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

more info needed

hull material
is the floor on stringers

etc etc

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue> Julian </font color=blue>

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[Guest]

Yes and when I say bigger screws I mean bigger gauge -not longer!

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[jfkal]

What I used is machine screws and some kind of a over size sleeve which gets screwed in the bearers and which then received the machine screw. Sorry cannot explain it better but the stuff is available from DIY shops. Since then no more hassle with screws working loose or ripping out. Good thing is that you can still use the old holes. Best practice is to epoxy the sleeves in.
If i did not make myself clear I can send you a picture )

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[Guest]

Thankyou will look in B&Q and do it this weekend.

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[AndrewB]

Presumably screwing into wood bearers. If you keep undoing them to get access to the bilges, then after a dozen times they stop doing up tight and 'spin'.

Putting in bigger woodscrews is an arms race you ultimately can't win. If you do need to undo them occasionally, then if possible replace them with a fitting (like a captive bolt) that is suitable for being repeatedly undone and done up again. Otherwise drill out the old holes and insert fibre Rawlplugs. These should be good for a few more fastenings and then can be replaced with similar sized Rawlplugs, so not further enlarging the holes. I wouldn't epoxy them in unless you never expect to raise the floorboards again.

Don't leave the floorboards loose!