Screws went right through fiberglass hull... Help!

[munegi]

I'm an idiot - I know. But can someone help me with the best way to fix my problem. I was installing new carpeting in my 26' day cruiser, and would tack the carpeting down with 1" screws on the edges to hold the carpet down. Of course I thought there would be plenty of clearance. And at the time could not see the problem I created because of the trailer rails. Well, when out on the water and swimming around the boat, I almost had a freakin heart attack when I saw all the screws (about 13 of em) sticking out of the bottom of my hull.
Do I leave the screws in place and grind them down then use an apoxy, or do I remove them and try to fill the holes?
Please help!
Thanks,
Robin

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: Screws went right through fiberglass hull... Help!

If the hull is white, I'd remove them and fix the holes with white Marine-Tex and leave it if they hide well. If they don't cover up or the hull is a color other than white, I would Marine-Tex them but not all the way up to the surface of the gelcoat, then use a gelcoat repair kit to fix the surface. I have had good looke w/ith those repair kits. The toughest part is blending the color.

 

[tysonnathan]

Re: Screws went right through fiberglass hull... Help!

might want to remove the screws and use marine carpet adhesive to hold the rug down!