www.iFourWinns.com

Hey guys, quick question for ya. I have been working on the boat, and noticed that when taking the doghouse frame off so working on the engine is easier FW just put screws down into the fiberglass. I am noticing that some are stripping out and are not holding tight. has anyone had this issue? anyone know of a good solution or threaded insert to allow me to add new bolts or screws into the insert?
Thanks guys

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1997 Horizon RS 180
5.7 GL Volvo Penta /SX drive. (1.60)
2018 Ford F-150 super crew 4x4

West Marine and others (Fasco Fasteners) sell something that will work. It is a stainless steel barrel shaped fitting that has wood screw threads on the outside, machine screw threads on the inside and a screwdriver slot on the top edge of it. You drill a 1/4" hole in the boat deck (put some sealer like 4200 in the hole), and then screw it in the deck. Then you can use the machine screw threads to attach whatever you are installing. They are expensive but work very well and since you seal it in less chance for rot. I used them om my rear seats. It makes it easy to remove stuff that has to come out for regular maintenance.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Excellent, Thanks Lou for the info, Heading to West marine this weekend. That place accepts blood for payment, cause they suck you dry after a purchase..

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1997 Horizon RS 180
5.7 GL Volvo Penta /SX drive. (1.60)
2018 Ford F-150 super crew 4x4

I have the same issue.

A friend suggested marine tex to close and redo the holes. I'm not sure I like this since the problem is bound to come back.

I'm going to take a look at the Fasco solution stated above which sounds like a long term solution.

I plan to tackle that later in the year when it is much cooler.

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Walter

2003 248 Vista - VP 5.0 GXi
2009 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7L 4x4

I agree, I am looking for the long term fix. will the marine tex fill the holes permanently? Looking at one of my holes. ok ok the screw holes, one of them is off set. was wondering if I should fill it and then install an fasco fastener and do it right. Seems like we could spend a whole summer just fixin all the odds and ends on these boats. lol

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1997 Horizon RS 180
5.7 GL Volvo Penta /SX drive. (1.60)
2018 Ford F-150 super crew 4x4

Yes. Its an epoxy putty that will fill permanently. I am all for doing it right the first time. I too have offset holes and will close those up before putting in fasteners for the machine screews.

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Walter

2003 248 Vista - VP 5.0 GXi
2009 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7L 4x4

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... h-wdzDSqpw

in the store you can buy them individually, take the size screw you need to use for the part you are attaching since there are different sizes. You need a big screwdriver to install them. Nice thing about them is that it really is a permanent solution to putting wood screws into a 'glass and wood composite which never lasts and causes rot.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

I have just been using a clear, waterproof silicone (think bathroom grade stuff) on those screws each time I have it off.
Works fine.

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2011 Four Winns H180 SS.
Aussie built Mustang 2800.
SOLD - 1997 Four Winns Horizon RS