Poppin' the Cap

[reelapeelin]

Who has pulled the cap from a V-20 hull; particularly an early 70s, or I guess any prior to '78...mine's got some separation in places...think prior owner didn't get her buttoned back up when he installed new rub-rail...

What fasteners should I use...I'm thinkin' SS flat-heads w/nylock nuts...is there a better way?... 8)

[chumbucket]

I've never done it on any boat I've owned but I know that Bigshrimpin has on the Seacraft. Maybe he'll shed some light on the things to look for and the correct fasteners.

[bigshrimpin]

Reelapeelin,

I've never taken the cap off a v20. On other boats there's usually two sets of screws holding down the cap. The first set of screws is under the rub rail and fastens the deck cap to the hull. The second set of screws holds the rub rail to the cap (also fastens the hull to the deck).

It's likely that the screws underneath the rubrail have loosened up. Once you remove the rub rail you'll be able to make a better decision on the fix. You might just be able to tighten down those screws and put the rub rail back on. If the screws holes are stripped then you can either drill a new hole or move up one screw size.

When you tighten down the screws . . . it's a good idea to back the screws out, coat the threads in 4200 (not 5200) before you resink them. The screws are less likely to back out this way.

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Some people will glass or 5200 together hull and deck joint. This makes one super stong joint, but it's pretty much permenant, so if you ever need to remove the deck, then you're totally screwed. ;D

[ken]

reelapeelin,
mine was screwed down.......alot of new boats use alum revits.
ken

[reelapeelin]

Thanx, guys :D...as usual, that's just the stuff I'm lookin' for...
BS, that looks like a mighty big job...is your gallery after that work?...

[reelapeelin]

BS, did you use nuts behind those screws or let the screws thread the 'glass?...

[bigshrimpin]

reelapeelin - I think nuts on the backside is overkill, but it really depends on the condition of the fiberglass around the screw holes and how much/little there is for the screws to bite. If you add nuts all the way around it's going to be a major pain if you ever need to pop the top off in the future.

[Seakindly]

If access is not an issue, I would use nuts. Grade 316 stainless steel. Probably nylocks.

Screwing threads into glass cracks the glass. 4200 is a good idea if you must do this.

What's wrong with overkill ???

My middle name is overkill. ;D

[reelapeelin]

Yeah, I tend toward overkill, but once the cap's off I'll be able to tell for sure...thanks for all the feedback...need all the help I can get ;)...gonna get started in Oct...might pull her to coast and do a little shrimpin' first :D...

[Seakindly]

Also, I would oversize the washers if space permitted, but that's just me.

[reelapeelin]

Good idea...it'll get 'em ;)...