Fitting a boat bumper

[bijou22]

Firstly, boat is Wellcraft 21sl 1997 and I have just removed the bumper from around the sides of the vessel, due to the corner being damaged.
All in all there were around 50+ self tapping screws which I have kept. I have purchased a 16 Metre coil of new bumper and will fit this weekend.
How can I use existing holes to fit new one or is it better to drill new holes befroe screwing it?
Any other tips?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

fill the old holes, and use new ones.

 

[bijou22]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

Whats the best stuff to fill them with?

 

[flashback]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

I would use an epoxy filler either make it yourself with resin and thickeners or buy a pre made product such as marine tex...either way will work fine and screws will hold in the material if you happen to hit one of the existing holes that you have filled.........

 

[bijou22]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

Should I screw in or drill a pilot hole first?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

in fiberglass-- always a pilot hole. using 2 battery powered drills works really well.

 

[sanssouci]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

Is the coil of bumper stiff,can you straighten it out easily?

 

[bijou22]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

I can straighten it out quite easily

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

bijou22,

If it is the black vinyl insert, it really helps if you do it on a hot sunny day. The vinyl is much easier to work with your fingers into the rub rail when warm.

Believe me, I know. Took me about two to three hours to do my 14 foot runabout, and my fingers were sore and tender afterwards.

 

[bijou22]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

Unfortunately I need to fit now, can't wait for the warm weather to come here in the UK.
It is the insert type I have bought and its blue to match the boat.
Any further tips would be appreciated

 

[sanssouci]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

The reason I ask if it was stiff is I replaced the vinyl bumper on a old Del-quay Dory a few years a go and I couldn't get it to straighten out until I put it in a drum of very hot water.

Then it came out soft and easy to attach. I drilled pilot holes and used countersunk s/s washers with s/s screws. I also applied a butyl caulking that doesn't cure on the inside of the vinyl. Then knocked the round bead into the notch.

Sold the boat and made some dough on the deal because it look good.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

A couple of 200 watt heat lamps on a stand should suffice. There are low buck aluminum reflector sockets that clamp onto a pipe, etc that are common in the home centers as work lights for under $10.

Pickup up two and a pair of heat lamp bulbs (the type that are used in bathroom heat lamps, or over french fries) and you should have a large warm work area.

 

[bijou22]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

What size pilot holes would you put in fibre glass for a 6mm screw?
Would you then countersink the inside of the bumper before screwing home?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

the size of the shaft of the screw, that way the treads bite, and the shaft doesn't compress the surrounding surface.

 

[bijou22]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

Would you countersink the bumper, or just drive it home, the material is rubber though

 

[bijou22]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

I will need to add sealant to the top and bottom of the bumper after fitting, any tips or recommendations of sealant type would be appreciated

 

[Saskatoon2005]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

Why do you have to add sealant? It should be self sealing, no?

 

[bijou22]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

It should be sealed around the top and bottom edges. The original was.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

Just put sealer on the screws. Unless there is somthing that the rail is covering that should not get wet, then I would skip the sealer on top and bottom.

 

[bijou22]

Re: Fitting a boat bumper

What about gaps between the rub rail and the boat, I don't think it will seal that tight especially around the bow which almost comes to a point?