CONTINUOUSWAVE

Looking for advice for repair of a loose raing base on a 1966 SAKONNET 16. See Figure 1 below. The rail base is near the helm where one side of the front rails were to start.

I was thinking of using a West Systems 105-K Fiberglass Boat Repair Kit, but after inspecting the hole it seems there is more open space than I thought.

I am also new to Whaler's and I am not sure what is under the openings exactly.

I was able to find some screws from CMI marine and now I just need to figure out what to do with the holes

Should I fill the holes?

Should I tap the holes?

Should I seal the holes with 3M5200?

I am very much a newbie when it comes to repair.

—John

strajm wrote: Give me advice for repair of a loose raing base on a 1966 SAKONNET 16.

As a new Boston Whaler owner, read all the answers to the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS in the REFERENCE section. See

https://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/FAQ/

Regarding railing bases, see

https://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/FAQ/#Q7

The empty fastener hole only needs to be enlarged enough to remove all loose material. Then fill the fastener hole with epoxy resin thickened with a high density filler. The WEST System repairs kits are great for this application. Then carefully drill a new pilot hole for the new screw fastener. Choose the pilot hole size carefully so that its diameter is not too small. If you try to force a screw fastener into the laminate with a too small pilot hole you will risk producing chipping and cracking of the gel cost layer or fracturing the laminate. Relieve the diameter of the pilot hole at the gel coat layer so the screw shank is not binding into the gel coat, or else the gel coat WILL crack.

The hull of a Boston Whaler boat is a thin laminate structure. The void between the hull and the hull liner is filled with foam. There will be embedded wood or other materials located in particular areas to add rigidity and strength and to create material thickness to hold screw fasteners.

Read about the hull design in the REFERENCE section

https://continuouswave.com/whaler/refer ... atent.html

Read the FAQ answer related to repair of hull damage

https://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/FAQ/#Q5

strajm wrote: Should I fill the holes?

Yes. See above advice

strajm wrote: Should I tap the holes?

No.

strajm wrote: Should I seal the holes with 3M5200?

No. 3M5200 is an extremely strong adhesive. Use it only when you want to join together two materials forever.