Re-Bedding Deck Hardware Question

[Ducati]

I'm thinking that it would be best to remove deck hardware and let the holes air dry in the hot summer weather...but I'm running out of time. We shrink-wrap the boat over the winter and thought that taking the hardware off (inside the shrink) and letting the dry winter air eliminate any moisture in the holes might work too. Then later next spring (under the shrink-wrap) reinstall the hardware.

What do you think?

 

[Marty A]

I think you're hoping for something that won't happen. My limited experience and extensive research is that coring will NOT dry via the small existing hole.

The right way to do this is to cut out the fiberglass (from below if possible to preserve the deck finish) and replace the wet core.

I personally replaced some deck cleats that had a solid base held down with 4 bolts. I cut out the deck around the bolt holes to provide a small window (about 2x4 inches) into the coring, then used wire to scrape the wet core that I could reach. I then mixed shredded fiberglass with epoxy and used that to stuff the entire cavity until it was flush with the deck.

I know I didn't get out all the wet core but it was better than it had been. I also replaced the somewhat wimpy backing plates with significantly stronger ones.

Good luck!

 

[capta]

air drying

I have had great success using acetone to displace moisture; it's a pretty good "quick fix".
I think your idea of drying the core inside the heat shrink might work but you will need to move significant amounts of air as well. With small holes, it might not work well, but you've a whole winter so experiment a bit.
Good luck.