Refastening...only a few screws....

[Noah]

I need to refasten a single small section of one plank. It is currently fastened with #14 screws which spin in place. Now a #14 screw is the largest that it seems you can purchase, so should I go longer, or inject epoxy into each screw hole and then use the same #14 screw.

I do feel confident that this is only a localized problem. The boat was refastened not long ago, and all the fastenings seem to be in very good shape. I'm not quite sure why this plank is a bit loose, but it seems to be. The ribs are fine on the inside with no cracks, but it is in a tight turn on the bilge.

Noah

[sdowney717]

Well you can either remove the plank then drill out a 1/2 inch hole and put in a wooden plug.
Replace the plank and redrill the hole.

Or perhaps has anyone just drilled thru both planks and frame and epoxy in a couple of long plugs, then redrill for the screw hole?

Dont use dowels, you would screw into end grain.

[Thad Van Gilder]

If you call up Jamestown, I am sure the have #16's around.They just might not be in the catalog. my buddy got his #24 (If I recall correctly) for his 63' hand motor sailor from them.

-Thad
S/V IVY

[Noah]

Hopefully someone else will chime in with another answer...

While pulling the planks isn't the end of the world I would rather something a bit quicker. I still don't know why this plank chose to loosen up over the winter.

Noah

[Gary E]

If you can easily get to the inside I would give carriage bolts a try. To make sure they do not vibrate loose, peen over the thread so it looks like a rivit.

[Bruce Hooke]

How about rivits?

[Thad Van Gilder]

I checked. Jamestown has up to 6 inch by # 24 bronze screws.

-Thads

[Scott Rosen]

I think that no matter which size screw you use, you will need to address the reason for this problem, or you will probably have a repeat next year--or sooner.

It might be the start of a crack that you can't yet see. It could also be a pocket of electrolysis or rot.

What was the condition of the screw that you removed?

[ssor]

I would go to the inside and drill a small hole crosswise through the rib and closely examine the shavings (chips) for decay, smell them, taste them, If water has gotten past the screws the rib could have concealed rot. Generally screws don't just walk off the job, but they do need something to hold on to.