RLM 27 Stanchion fixing

[Guest]

Some of the bolts on the side handrail stanchion base plate fixing to the deck have come loose, there are four screws per base plate.
On most RLM 27's you can not get at the screws from inside the boat!
The bolts on my boat are about 90mm long and appear to screw into the solid GRP side fender extrusion.
Has anyone had the same problem and fix the problem alternativly any suggestions would be welcome before someone falls overboard!

 

[mike_kolling]

I had a similar problem on my last boat (a Freeman) where the stanchions were held down by woodscrews and surprise suprise they pulled out.
If you are on inland waters every Tom, Dick and Harry wants to fend your boat off by pushing on these suckers.

A possible solution is to drill out the hole to get to clean material and glue some dowling into the hole. Then refit with new woodscrews (Stainless or Brass or course.)

I did also try making small Stainless plates to form "butresses" ie from about 2-3 inches up the stanchion out and fitted into the deck. They did give extra strength so that not all the force was on the original screws.

Otherwise take the whole stanchion off, fill the holes with resin or GRP filler and redrill the holes. Not elegant but not much alternatives.