Epoxy and Sealant
LLoyd, here are some ideas about your tabernacle repair... Fast curing epoxies are often brittle and will crack. Long curing epoxies are stronger and more flexable. A product that is slower curing and drillable is Polypoxy. Polypoxy is viscous but can be used to fill a hole, if it's not too cold. Use a stiff wire to poke in there to help it settle and release any bubbles. Be sure not to have any voids. Don't try this on a cold day. It works better on a warm day. On cool days I keep the tubes in my pocket to warm to body tempature. This makes it flow better. Give it at least 24 hours to cure. After removing the tabernacle and drilling out the holes, check for any moisture. Inspect the wood shavings after you drill. If the wood is damp, dry it out befor doing the repair. Polypoxy comes in two tubs 50/50, has a long shelf life and can be used under water and for many other repairs. It's good stuff to have on the boat ...About sealants and adhesives; Ben's fix is right on the money, however 5200 is a really tough adhesive and to be used with caution. 5200 is a polyurethane used to bond hull to deck joints. It can make separation of parts extremely difficult. I have seen it peel gellcoat and splinter wood. I think a better choice for sealing tabernacle would be a polysulfied caulk (Life-Caulk, Multi-Caulk or 3M 101). These products are easy to work with and clean up with soapy water and provide excelent moisture protection without any adhesion problems. It's my choice for all deck hardware. Ben, please excuse me for butting in about the 5200. Good Luck with the repair, it should be a breeze.LLoyd I am eager to hear more about your bulkhead ideas as well and will be following that thread as well. Pat ShanklinO'Day 22 "Puff"Charlotte, NC