Special Screws for attaching metal to boat?

[maillme]

Hi All,

I'm new and so forgive my simple / easy questions.

I have some thing I woudl like to attach to my boat (table bracket, flag holder etc).

These have nice, countersunk holes for me to put screws through. My boat is fibre... something.......

Which screws do I need to get? Just simple, stainless steel? Or do I need a special type?

many thanks,
Neil

 

[Tranona]

Stainless selftappers. However, you will need to drill pilot holes into the GRP of the right size for the size screw you are using.

 

[prv]

Stainless steel screws will be ok for lighter items. Be aware that you need to drill the pilot hole a bit bigger than in wood, because the fibreglass will not stretch and will crack if the hole is too small.

For things that will have a heavier load, you should use bolts, with washers and nuts on the inside.

If you have a cored deck (ie two layers of fibreglass with foam or wood in between) then the job is more complicated because you need to stop water getting into the core. Let us know if that is your situation so we can give the proper instructions.

Pete

 

[maillme]

Hi Pete et al,

I'm sorry - I'm not quite sure what the boat is made of, but you can see it here:

http://watersportshopper.nl/oc-content/uploads/236.jpg

My plan was to just buy the screws, and then ask the shop whom is supplying me the boat to put them on for me hopefully they do a better job than I ever could......

Neil

 

[Ripster]

Hi Pete et al,

I'm sorry - I'm not quite sure what the boat is made of, but you can see it here:

http://watersportshopper.nl/oc-content/uploads/236.jpg

My plan was to just buy the screws, and then ask the shop whom is supplying me the boat to put them on for me hopefully they do a better job than I ever could......

Neil

I expect the dealer you bought from will have a selection of SS screws, most do, for jobs just like that.

 

[maillme]

Yea, but he's been a bit rubbish to be honest

I'm not a big sale for him, so he is often very difficult to deal with - and I wouldn't be surprised if he wants to charge me EUR 2 per screw or something!

I would have went elsewhere if not for the fact he does offer the best value for money.

I can always ask

We speak a different language (I'm an ExPat) and so it's often difficult, although his English is good

thanks again,
Neil

 

[Ripster]

Yea, but he's been a bit rubbish to be honest

I'm not a big sale for him, so he is often very difficult to deal with - and I wouldn't be surprised if he wants to charge me EUR 2 per screw or something!

I would have went elsewhere if not for the fact he does offer the best value for money.

I can always ask

We speak a different language (I'm an ExPat) and so it's often difficult, although his English is good

thanks again,
Neil

Its a pity if he is taking that attitude - you think he would just do the job gratis (or for a very small charge) to make you a loyal and happy customer. After all, from little acorns come big Oak trees and you maybe back in a year to buy a much bigger one - but not from him by the sounds of it!

 

[lovezoo]

Which screws do I need to get? Just simple, stainless steel? Or do I need a special type?

Make sure you get proper marine grade stainless steel, otherwise they will just rust. These people sell all the fixings you would need:

www.seascrew.com