Gap Between Hull and Cockpit

N

NSM

New member
I've a new to me 1992 CD-16 Cruiser. There is a 1/2" to 1" gap between the hull and the cockpit panels along the seats on both sides. All screws have pulled out. The seat bases are sitting flush on the floor and it seems that installing bigger screws along the panels will only eventually make a bigger hole as new screws pull out. Do I need to repair this, and if so how should I go about it?

Cheers,
Scott
 
Any hole in the floor should be over size drilled, then a Dremel router type of bit, an aallan wrench checked in drill, or a router bit, to remove at least 1/8 inch under cut all around--more if there is wet/rotten core. Fill those holes with thickens epoxy. I first mix the epoxy, and use a swab to coat any exposed core, to prevent more water leakage or damage.

Them thicken the expos mixed with hardener, to a peanut butter consistently, wit cabosil and medium density fillers. After this cures, then drill the hole and put a pan headg screw into place.
 
Thanks for the response. The rivets into the deck are fine. It’s the elbow high (when sitting) area that has opened.
 
Ask the moderators for an album. (First 3 on the "Member list". If you can access the "back side" then bolts will be best. If not, then one can either fill with something like Marine Tex and tooth picks and then redline the pilot hole. (one of the few uses of Marine Tex for long term use.
 
all you can do is after removing the panel and the screws fill the holes with glue and tooth picks. Let it dry and then cut off the tooth picks even with the top of the hole. Now just re screw the panel in place. Your just rebuilding the hole with new wood so the screws have something to bit into. I have done this many times on other projects. its about the only thing you can do with out going to bigger screws.
 
I agree with Tom. Is the screw going into the side of the hull? If so the length of the screw is very critical....If this is a cored structure--then it is still important, but less critical.

Perhaps a photo from a little further out, so we can see the general issues involved? Why is this screw pulling loose. Should be some other type of bonding utilized? Is some structural member flexing which should not be?

Thanks for the photo!
 
I posted a photo from a little further away in an "untitled" album. The photo is from the helm side. Same gap on the port side.

I takes a bit of force to close the gap. I'm thinking of just filling the space with some teak or equivalent and reinserting a larger screw with appropriate length to count for the gap.

Thanks for the help.
Scott
 
Tom gives good advice as always. Teak is a very oily wood. I would use any common hardwood. I would keep the same size screw, you don't want to risk driving or protruding the screw thru the side of the hull.

Epoxy will also work to "glue" the wood in place. 5200 takes a while to set up. if possible you want to rough up and clean the area where you want adhesive to hold. For example for a very narrow area, glue sandpaper on a tongue blade or popsicle stick (hobby stores have these)

I use a glue gun to hold material in place waiting for any longer drying adhesive in place. any excess hot glue can be scapped off if you wish.
 
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