Help Re-installing a bow rail

[samagy16]

I just bought an 18' Angler last week and the previous owner had taken off the bow rail. With the purchase of the boat I also got the bowrail and want to re-install it but have never done this type of work before. I am pretty handy and believe I can do it myself with the help of my brother to hold for drilling, marking and so forth.

My general plan is to start at the very front marking, drilling and then installing screws on each one working my way back towards the side alternating sides until I make it to each end of the bowrail.

I am mildly concerned because there seems to be some very small stress marks (web like) in the areas where the rail was attached previously and where I intend to attach now. Is this a big deal? Will re-drilling holes again create future stress? Should I use 5200 when I insert the screws to give it a stronger hold?

Any tips would be appreciated. If you think my plan needs to be completely overhauled and changed let me know please. I want to make this as painless as possible and think this job is, but once againg I have never done this before.

I really tried to attach pictures to this post but for some reason they didn't upload.

Thanks in advance to all who respond.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Help Re-installing a bow rail

Presumably the previous holes are still visible? It would be best to just re-drill the existing ones and use an adhesive sealant like 5200 as you mentioned. This is about a 3 on a 10 scale. (easy)

If you do have to mark/drill new holes, you should make sure that the railing will be symmetrical and the rear post be even on both sides. If you start in the middle and work your way around, it may not come out quite right. The ability to set the railing bases in place with some clamps or something might insure that you get things even on both sides. You can then measure twice and drill once.

 

[sasto]

Re: Help Re-installing a bow rail

If the stress cracks are only in the gelcoat....I wouldn't worry too much. The proper way to install screws, especially self tapping, is after drilling out the hole, use a countersink (or larger bit) to remove the gelcoat around the hole. Gelcoat is brittle and can crack easily.

Good Luck!

 

[samagy16]

Re: Help Re-installing a bow rail

Presumably the previous holes are still visible? It would be best to just re-drill the existing ones and use an adhesive sealant like 5200 as you mentioned. This is about a 3 on a 10 scale. (easy)

If you do have to mark/drill new holes, you should make sure that the railing will be symmetrical and the rear post be even on both sides. If you start in the middle and work your way around, it may not come out quite right. The ability to set the railing bases in place with some clamps or something might insure that you get things even on both sides. You can then measure twice and drill once.

Yes the previous or original holes are visible although they were marginally covered so my goal is to use the same holes and drill those out.

 

[samagy16]

Re: Help Re-installing a bow rail

If the stress cracks are only in the gelcoat....I wouldn't worry too much. The proper way to install screws, especially self tapping, is after drilling out the hole, use a countersink (or larger bit) to remove the gelcoat around the hole. Gelcoat is brittle and can crack easily.

Good Luck!

Yes, the stress marks are only on the gelcoat, on the very surface.

Thanks for the replies, this seems along the lines of what I expected and the 5200 I know will help in getting this sealed well with proper hold.