R5 swim platform repair

[ajfdj55]

Hello, looking for advice on a repair I’m looking to make. On my R5 swim platform, one of the lag screws holding the port side stainless steel bumper surround to the fiberglass swim platform pulled out. Looks like when this happened it created a bit of a gap between the mounting plate attached to the SS bumper and the platform itself. I’ve attached a couple of pictures to illustrate. Any suggestions on best approach to repair this? Should I remove the other remaining lag screw and temporarily remove the bumper, then fill the two screw holes, and then reattach the bumper with new lag screws? If so what do I fill the holes with? And when the fill dries do I then drill new pilot holes for the replacement screws? And if so do I apply any calk or sealant into the newly drilled pilot screw holes before inserting the replacement lag screws? Doesn’t look difficult but I want to do it the right way. Thank you for any suggestions.

[jhnmdahl]

Is there an insert the screws are crewing into, or is it just fiberglass? If it's just fiberglass, I'd think an epoxy-based filler like Devcon would be a good choice, maybe something like

https://a.co/d/8vuwFo3

[bruceb58]

When I do fiberglass repairs, I always use the West system products. They have a lot of fillers and additives too that will make your job much easier. Check out their website.

https://www.westsystem.com/

[ajfdj55]

Thanks for the suggestions on the epoxy’s. The two lag screws go directly into the underside of the swim platform, there are no inserts. I was also considering using Sikaflex 292i or 3M5200. Any thoughts on this? And after applying either of these or an epoxy should I then finish off with a gel coat topping and then drill pilot holes and then reattach screws.

[billk2632]

I would fill the hole with epoxy - put a piece of tape on it to keep the epoxy from running out until it cures. Drill a new hole and insert the screw. Should no need gelcoat, the screw and bracket will cover things up. I would NOT use 5200, it is a permanent bond not really made for filling something like this hole where you want to tape a screw into it - it does not cure hard like epoxy.

[ajfdj55]

Ok understand epoxy is the way to go. Would Marine-Tex work?

[billk2632]

I personally have never used it for this, the few times I have had to do this, it was easier to buy the tubes of epoxy in a syringe that mix as you push it out. But, Marine-Tex might work better in this case since you are trying to file UP into a hole.

[ajfdj55]

Makes sense, so you’ve used something like loctite marine epoxy? I’ll check this out and compare to Marine-Tex and see which might work in this situation considering I have to apply it upside down underneath the swim platform where the stainless bumper mounts.

[billk2632]

Yes, I've used the Loctite Marine epoxy - to fill and re-tap screw holes like your doing.

[ajfdj55]

I used Marine-Tex and it worked perfectly. Since it was an overhead hole, I let it set up for a few minutes to stiffen up and then used a syringe and putty nice to apply. Covered with clear packing tape. After it cured removed the tape and drilled new hole. All good now. Thank you all for your suggestions and advice.

[billk2632]

Good deal!

[jhnmdahl]

Marine-Tex and Devcon are similar products, both made by https://itwperformancepolymers.com/

I've never used Marine-Tex, but have heard it's similar to Devcon and has very good dimensional stability over time. A great solution to your problem - thanks for reporting back!