Mounting deck hardware to wood?

[60Clipper]

I'm looking for some suggestions/expertise regarding mounting hardware on a Mahogany deck. The boat hull is fiberglass with a wood deck. It's always been a lake boat and I will be using it in brackish water (Potomac & Patuxent Rivers), only water near me. I don't know if the hardware will last in that environement. I plan to wash it down after every run. It's a tralier boat and will be in a garage.

That brings me to my questions:
1. Should I mount my deck hardware (bow cleat, bow light/mast, stern light, search light, horn etc) with any kind of adhesive/sealant? I know most everyone uses 3M 5200 on the fiberglass but is this recommended on wood? Should I use 4200?
2. Do I just put it on the screws then re-attach where they were? 3. Do I put some around the wire coming up through the holes or just make a gasket with the sealant/adhesive around the perimeter of the hardware base I'm mounting?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Bob

 

[Greg Mrozinski]

Re: Mounting deck hardware to wood?

4200 is what you want to use. Make sure the 4200 is the UV resistent type. I think 3M makes a 4200 that is and a version that is not UV stable. If you already have existing holes and you can re-use them, then remount eveything using the old holes. Apply the 4200 to the threads, in the holes and around the screw heads. You can also apply around the perimeter of the hardware as needed. Be careful with clean-up solvents on the wood. Taping off the area might be a better way.

 

[ghamby]

Re: Mounting deck hardware to wood?

seal the holes with marine epoxy so that the epoxy soaks into the exposed
plys in the holes. Some go so far as to drill the mounting holes over sized,
then fill with thickened epoxy. After the epoxy cures, drill for clearance of
the fasteners through the epoxy.To get serious about it,coat the threads in mold release wax and thread the fasteners into the uncured epoxy. This will form threads in the cured epoxy Bed with 4200,Sicaflex or similar compound.
For something you plan on removing like a sacrificial rubbing strake use something like Dolphinite.

 

[bananaboater]

Re: Mounting deck hardware to wood?

Glue might be fine for lights and horn but for cleats, or other tie offs, I would go with mechanical fasteners through mounted with stainless (?) screws, bolts, washers. Or screwed into wood well.

I mounted my cleats through the deck into wood backing with stainless screws.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Mounting deck hardware to wood?

You may want to look into some 3M 4000 ..

And I agree with through bolting where you can.

YD.

 

[ghamby]

Re: Mounting deck hardware to wood?

Glue might be fine for lights and horn but for cleats, or other tie offs, I would go with mechanical fasteners through mounted with stainless (?) screws, bolts, washers. Or screwed into wood well.

I mounted my cleats through the deck into wood backing with stainless screws.

I don't think any of the replies here considered a glue only application. Mine
certainly didn't.

 

[bananaboater]

Re: Mounting deck hardware to wood?

I don't think any of the replies here considered a glue only application. Mine
certainly didn't.

Yup did not read carefully

 

[60Clipper]

Re: Mounting deck hardware to wood?

Thanks all. I'll get some 4200. Most of the holes are in good shape. I'll probably mix up some resin and fill the bad ones and re-drill. The cleats are actually mounted into solid Mahogany on the bow edge (sorry can't think of the name of the piece that follows around the bow to the King board). They've lasted the last fifty years so I don't think I should have to mount all the way through the bow.

Thanks again for all the info.

Bob