posted 05-03-2002 08:26 AM ET (US)        

Any advice is appreciated.

posted 05-03-2002 12:25 PM ET (US)         

I believe these are installed with #14 (1/4") flat head screws (whatever size fits the countersink in the leg base). Whaler's instructions are to ONLY drill a hole through the glass, large enough so that the screw shank or threads will go though without gripping it. The plywood backing is not to be drilled. The screw will self tap into it. Screw length should be selected so that it will not penetrate the floor more than 1".

Do not use 5200 at all. If you're worried about water getting into the floor (Whaler isn't, as mine were factory installed without caulking) only use a little clear silicone or BoatLife.

posted 05-03-2002 12:56 PM ET (US)            

lhg is correct, the screw size is a #14 (more commonly referred to as a 1/4") flat head sheet metal screw.

lhg is correct that generally "Whaler's instructions are to only drill a hole through the glass, large enough so that the screw shank or threads will go though without gripping it." and that the wood backing is not to be drilled.

But this is bad advice in this instance. I can assure you they do not do this at the factory with these fasteners. A #14 is just to big. I strongly encourage you to drill a small pilot hole through the plywood, perhaps 1/8". The best way would be to use a large VIX-BIT (or equivelent) self centering drill bit.

3M 5200 (either regular or Quick Cure) is a powerful adhesive, however it is a sealant as well. It can be used in this application. Over and over it ihas been repeated here on the FORUM that 3M 5200 is so powerful that it will be impossible to remove later. In most instances this is utter nonsense!

In the case of sealing a screw hole aginst water intrusion 3M 5200 will be just fine. If you bed the entire foot of the RPS with 3M 5200 you may have a problem. You may tear up some of the nonskip if you ever remove the RPS in the future.

For the record: 3M 5200 is both an adhesive and a caulk. It was originally used to seal the strakes on wooden lapstrake runabouts built in the 1960's. Its purpose is to help hold the parts together while allowing flexability and water proofness. It has extremely good gap filling properties and this is why it is a good caulk.

Carl, if you already have some 5200 go ahead and use it. If you are going to go buy something then a better choice would be 3M 4200 (which is less tenacious that 5200 but otherwise similar), 3M 101 polysulphide, Sika 231 (equilelant of 3M 4200), Sika 240 (equilelant of 3M 5200) or Sika 241 (equilelant of 3M 5200 Quick Cure).