Rod Holders on 1985 45 Hat

[solanderi]

The Lee's rod holders on our Hat are screwed into the covering boards with self tapping stainless screws. Over time from heavy use one of the rodholders has loosened up and the wood tap sight is not holding the screw securely anymore. Of course the quick fix is tap in a larger screw but it will eventually fail as did the original.

I pulled the RH and examined the hole and it looks like the layers are 1)teak covering board 2) fiberglass skin and 3) plywood. The question is on #3. Is that plywood or a core. Whatever it is it was not sealed to the elements after the hole was cut and I would like to do this job right.

What is the best way to seal the plywood or core (fiberglass, marine tex or other) and the best way to finish this job? Thank you.

 

[Bob Bradley]

I would first make sure that the area was dry, then apply three coats of CPES (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer), allowing each coat to dry completely before the next is applied. Then bed well and thru-bolt in the rod holders.

Last spring I had to replace 6' of gunwale on each side of the cockpit, as well as the entire aft gunwale to correct rotted core (end grain balsa, by the way, not plywood, unless it was added to effect a similar repair), as a direct result of rod holders being installed without the hole being sealed properly.

Once you correct the exposed wood problem, I would recommend that you thru-bolt the rod holders with 3/16" (10-28) machine screws rather than simple screws. If you ever tie into a giant or sizable big eye, you'll be glad you did.
Bob

 

[steve c]

Lee has stainless steel backing plates available for their rodholders and if you are tuna fishing, the slight extra cost will save a lot of wear and tear on the mounting surface.

 

[solanderi]

Would the West System Epoxy be an acceptable substitute for the Clear Penetrating Epoxy mentioned above? That's what my local marine hardware store, Hopkins Carter carries or should I keep looking for a local supplier (Miami Beach) for the CPE?

 

[Genesis]

CPES is available online, and is superior for the penetrating capability that it has. It has the viscosity of diesel fuel when mixed.

Great stuff, and worth the trouble to get.

Buy it here:
http://www.rotdoctor.com/products/product.html

West System is an excellent epoxy, but it is not a penetrant. If you're using it to seal good, sound wood its fine (e.g. after you drill a hole for mounting something.) If you're trying to deal with compromised wood you want the CPES.

 

[Bob Bradley]

I've also purchased CPES directly from the manufacturer, Smith's:

Smith & Co. Industrial and Marine Synthetic Resin and Specialties
5100 Channel Ave.
Richmond Ca. 94804
1-510-237-6842.