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Have a 2007 Montauk 17 ... port side 7 screws punched through the interior section of the rub rail (5 in one spot 2 in another) ... caused by boat pushing against a dock PVC pipe during a hurricane in 2022. No hull damage whatsoever ... lines were just 1" too loose and there was sufficient contact to put constant pressure on two spots. Removed the "hose insert" and backed out the screws. Will fill those holes with 5200 sealant and let it cure. There appears to be a rigid white plastic liner INSIDE the slot where the insert goes. Seems like the SS screws are just screwed in until the heads counter sink to being flush with that white material. No need for it to be pre drilled with a pilot hole any larger than the SS screw body correct? Don't want to mess it up so any recommendations greatly appreciated. Thanks. (First hurricane passed and we put the boat back in the slip ... and surprisingly a second, less powerful one passed ... and that caused the problem). Florida!!

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Drill a fresh hole 1/2" away from old hole.

Test the drill bit size on a scrap of wood. The screw should be tight but not overly hard or too easy.

Can use pan headed 1" stainless screws with a dab of sealant. NO adhesive.

Life Caulk is recommended for all sealant jobs.
4200/5200 is overkill and unnecessary (and expensive).

Put the rubrail insert in a bucket of hot water for 20 minutes. Will be easier to reinstall in the receiver.

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Thanks!!

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Curious about using PAN HEAD screws. Originals are not and are counter sunk flush inside ... Would the pan head have to be counter sunk to permit re-install of the center strip? Or is the tube flexible enough to form over the pan head??

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The originals are self tapping.

The pan head will need to be pre-drilled but will not need the counter sunk, hence the suggestion.