R5 Bimini brcket is loose

[jimmyr5]

The bracket that the bimini frame bolts to is loose. The bracket is attached to the side of the boat to the fiberglass not sure if it is thru bolted with a nut and washer on the back side or not. the bolt will not tighten or will it back out as it just spins. thats why i think it may have a nut on it. i cant seam to find a way to tighten as i cant get to the back side. anybody have a suggestion.
thanks jim

[tomace13]

Picture?

[jimmyr5]

pic of bracket

IMG_6430 (1).JPG

[skno]

If you can get the other screw out, you can apply upward pressure on the bracket and unscrew the stripped out one. Fill the screw holes with epoxy and redrill the correct size and reinsert the screws. It is possible that wont work , but that is how I would attack it if the screw was stripped and I do believe that is a screw.

[Big Block Power]

Remove the other one to see if it's a screw. I also believe it is and do the same. Add epoxy. Unless you can reach up to it then bolt it up.

[jimmyr5]

unfortunately I tried that and the striped screw will not back out. that's why i was wondering if there is a nut on the back side the other screw is not original That one is a #10 course thread screw I think the original is a #8 machine screw

[tomace13]

unfortunately I tried that and the striped screw will not back out. that's why i was wondering if there is a nut on the back side the other screw is not original That one is a #10 course thread screw I think the original is a #8 machine screw

Your only real options here are to get the screw to bite enough to back it out, or to drill it out. Get leverage under the screw head while attempting to back it out, if it will free spin it will almost certainly come out with some encouragement from a flat bar while backing it out.

If that won’t work and you can’t access the underside….you’re looking at cutting it flush and drilling it out. You’ll likely end up with an oversized hole that will need to be filled with epoxy. Really need to exhaust all options to back it out with some encouragement first.

[skno]

Jimmy,
Did you get it out?

[jimmyr5]

yes I did. Thanks to all. It turns out there was a nut and washer on the back side. so I filled the holes with epoxy and I'm going to drill and use a #10 wood screw to reinstall unless someone knows a better way? I would prefer to thru bolt but that not an option Thanks again Jim

[Auburnbuilder]

Use a screw nut and washer, wood screw will not hold for long. Through bolting is the best way.

[jimmyr5]

I wish that was an option but I can't get to the back side. I'm not sure if a fine or course thread would be best??

[skno]

Nice work! Use a little silicone when installing the screws to help lock it in. If it does come loose you can repeat the process with minimal effort.

[FirstStar]

It doesn't make sense that it would not be through bolted. There is a lot of force on those brackets. Sure you can't take some trim pieces off to access the back side?