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The front mounting screws have stripped out on the swing seat on our 17' Montauk.
What are the best fixes if one gone the others can not be far behind.
There are small blocks of wood encapsulated in the fiberglass for mounting the RPS. The screw holes have become stripped.
There are several techniques: (no order/preference)
a ) Drill out the screw hole slightly larger, fill with epoxy (Marine tex works well) and re-tap.
b ) Drill out the hole, insert a hardwood dowel coated with epoxy and re-tap.
c ) Drill out the hole, insert the straight shaft of an allen wrench and insert into the hole, using low speed, loosen the foam and create a small pocket. Vacuum out the pieces and then fill with epoxy or gorilla glue. Note - gorilla glue expands so don't fill the hole up completely.
Members can share what works for them.
Edited by Phil T on 06/29/08 - 6:05 AM
1992 Outrage 17 I
2019 E-TEC 90, Viper 17 2+
2018 Load Rite Elite 18280096VT
I have to strenuously disagree with a couple of subtle yet very important points you have made.
The RPS does not mount to "small blocks of wood" encapsulated in the hull but rather a large sheet of 1/2" plywood backing nearly the entire floor of the Montauk. Once plywood gets wet, it can become quite soft and allow a screw to strip out.
One should NEVER use a dowel for a screw repair. The grain will be running the wrong way and most dowels you buy are hardwood which will not be helpful for setting a large sheet metal screw like those used for the mounting of the RPS.
The best way to return the plywood backing to original condition is to glue a PLUG of wood, preferably a soft wood like fir that will accept the threads of the large screw easily. You can also make the plugs out of plywood if it is a good grade.
I think the use of epoxy to glue such a plug in is fine. Polyurethane glue may also be used and will often be preferred if there is moisture present.
Once the hole if filled again, it can be drilled for the screws and the screws and RPS reinstalled. Be sure to seal the holes with some polyurethane caulk before the final setting of the RPS
