How to fill screw holes in cabin top?

[Fred G]

Hi, I have a 1981 Hunter 30, and here is my situation. I have the original clam cleats on the traveller, and I do not like them because I cannot tack quickly with them. I would like to install cam cleats with fairleads so that I can pop the windward side free and quickly pul the traveller to leeward as the boat begins to tack. My question is how, and with what, do I fill the screw holes from the clam cleats. Also, is my problem simply an ill designed clam cleat and there is a better design that would prevent me from having to drill new holes yet still solve my problem?Thanks!

 

[R.W.Landau]

The best fill....

Would be to bed a screw in compound and leave a screw head exposed. This makes a good seal.If you are filling, Redrill the holes a little oversize. This gives you clean fiberglass( no residual compounds) to make the best bond. Epoxy bond to cured fiberglass with about 75% better bond than polyester resin. Then touch up with colored gelcoat.The worry... Did the epoxy bond well enough to keep any water from entering the cored material.That is why a screw that is well bedded would be my preference.r.w.landau

 

[Bob]

Check out

Harken's windward sheeting traveler cars - you don't have to release from the cam cleat on the "old" windward side - just pull the "new" one. They cost more, but once you use one, the others seem primitive.

 

[Fred Ficarra]

Harken ws traveler car won't work on mid booms

Bob, since Harken invented that car, I had waited for them to come out with a size to fit my H34. They did. I called to get a list of all the components. I was devastated when they told me it would NOT WORK on a mid boom sheeting setup. I had to use their standard system. Has anybody ignored their advice and gotten it to work on mid boom setups? If so, details please!

 

[tom b.]

i tend to agree with r.w.

I know I don't want to see the screw heads in there, but....its one sure way of gettin a good solid seal.

 

[Gord]

Expoxyworks.com

Check out (Gougeon)WEST System's "Epoxyworks" magazine, Spring 2003, number 21.There's good descriptions (several scenarios) in the article "Repairing Machined Holes in Fibreglass".www.westsystem.comwww.epoxyworks.comOOPS, just checked, and the "new" issue is not yet on line. Check back later, or Email me your Fax number.Regards,Gord

 

[Gord]

Expoxyworks.com

Check out (Gougeon)WEST System's "Epoxyworks" magazine, Spring 2003, number 21.There's good descriptions (several scenarios) in the article "Repairing Machined Holes in Fibreglass".www.westsystem.comwww.epoxyworks.comRegards,Gord