Port flange screws loose

Jul 5, 2011
754
Oday 28 Madison, CT
As I was brushing my teeth at the head sink this morning, I happened to look out of the port above and saw that one securing (flange) screw had worked itself about half of the way out. I went around the boat and looked at the other three ports and found most screws were tight, but some a good half+ turns loose. Tightened all, of course being careful not to overtighten any. Guess that 37 years of vibration would do this. (Amazing I never had a leak but probably the sealing compound is still ok.) Wonder if a bunch of loose ones might eventually bring a leak, so am just relating my experience if others might want to check. Boats twist a lot under way, so probably having these babies snugged up is a good idea.
 
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dmax

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Jul 29, 2018
1,219
Telstar 28 Buzzards Bay
Does seem odd - I removed all of mine a couple of years ago and none were loose.
 
Aug 2, 2005
1,155
Pearson 33-2 & Typhoon 18 Seneca Lake
On the serious side.....Perhaps a dab of caulk like BoatLife would hold the screws against vibrating loose. However, checking them before winter storage or at spring commissioning would not be time wasted.
 
Jul 5, 2011
754
Oday 28 Madison, CT
If I get the time, which I probably won't. Took 37 years for this "issue" to occur so at age 76 I might not worry about the "next 37" so much, but just keep a checking 'em. Nice lake you are on. One of the "fingers", right? I was there once as I went to SU.