What is the best adhesive?

[kevsbox]

Hey all
So today we hoisted my wife up to the top of the mast to fix the wind indicator and on her return to each we notice the block which the backup rope was attached had come loose.
After a quick examination it came off as per the photo.
So we will replace the 3 screws with ones a bit longer but my question is what is the best adhesive to use in order to ensure a safe, long lasting repair

 

[johnalison]

It is fortunate that your wife wasn’t relying on that. It might be that the winch only deals with small loads normally and has thus survived for a long time. I have never had a winch that was anything other than bolted securely down. Whatever ‘glue’ you use will run the risk of failing and if it were me I would replace the block and secure it with four spaced bolts decently backed, and only use a sealant to protect the underside. You might find a modern top-action winch much easier to use, though it may also be that it only controls a small jib and what you have is adequate.

 

[dunedin]

Yes, as above, it’s substantial bolts you need, not glue.
The sealant under the block of wood is presumably just to prevent water getting underneath and causing the word to rot - should not be structural.
(NB If done structural engineering and using advanced glues and carbon fibre deck etc different considerations might apply).

 

[thinwater]

Yes, as above, it’s substantial bolts you need, not glue....

^^ This. The winch is bolted to thin ply wood, which is screwed down with a a few offset bolts. Really, you need to throw the whole mess away and start over with through bolts from the winch through the deck, to a big backing plate.

That's rubbish and you are extremely lucky. You need to check the condition of safety gear and its engineering before each use. 4500 pounds minimum.

 

[Neeves]

I'd check the means with which the other winches are attached. If this one is attached he'd like that - how are the others attached?

On our previous yacht and the current one I went through all the deck fittings and checked how well they were attached (and still missed some poor examples which I beefed up later). I bought 5mm plate to make backing plates where relevant and used Duralac where appropriate. To seal the holes Sikaflex or CT1 is your answer - but neither are structural.

Don't worry much learning is by mistakes - this was done by someone else - but your wife might have been very lucky if the winch you were using is attached the same way (but no need to tell her )

Jonathan

 

[ChromeDome]

Agreed, proper bolts and backing is key.

For anything glue or seal, Tek7 is my preference. Several types available, also TACK which hold within minutes.

Can be applied under water if needed.

Admittedly just marketing but informative:

 

[kevsbox]

Thanks all, that was how it was fitted when we purchased the yacht, god only knows how long it was like that. This was the first time it had taken a really heavy load (not saying the wife is heavy mind). We will redo as suggested here

 

[thinwater]

Thanks all, that was how it was fitted when we purchased the yacht, god only knows how long it was like that. This was the first time it had taken a really heavy load (not saying the wife is heavy mind). We will redo as suggested here

I once ripped a winch out of the deck that was through bolted, but with only bolting washers instead of a backing plate. Yeah, I'm surprised it stayed put.

 

[Alfie168]

Hey all
So today we hoisted my wife up to the top of the mast to fix the wind indicator and on her return to each we notice the block which the backup rope was attached had come loose.
After a quick examination it came off as per the photo.
So we will replace the 3 screws with ones a bit longer but my question is what is the best adhesive to use in order to ensure a safe, long lasting repair

View attachment 133971

What is your relationship with your wife like ? ?

 

[kevsbox]

What is your relationship with your wife like ? ?

Very good thanks, married 36 years

 

[PlankWalker]

The best adhesive is bolts.

 

[Stemar]

Very good thanks, married 36 years

In that case, don't show her that photo

Do this, though:

proper bolts and backing is key.

I'd take the winch off its block and drill through the deck and a substantial backing plate and put the bolts through the lot. On a smaller, heavily laid up boat, you may not need a backing plate; I used penny washers and dome nuts on my Snapdragon to give a tidy appearance as it was visible. but there's no such thing as too strong for something like that.