Attaching Equipment

Adaero · 22-08-2008, 00:28

I collect my new boat from Cape Town shortly and have a load of gear that needs attaching to my boat such as horseshoe buoy, storage pouches, winch handle holders, Para-Anchor attachment plates, etc.
The boat has a balsa core and I have been reading some of the horror stories about water ingress and wondered how you guys attach this stuff to balsa cored boats?
On the through hull bolted stuff I understand about drilling the hole, removing the balsa core for 3mm (1/8") or so and epoxying to seal the core but what about minor bits and pieces where it’s easiest to just use a self tapping screw? I read this which was useful http://www.yachtsurvey.com/hardware_attachments.htm
What can you recommend as the best fixing method?
Thanks

Evan · 22-08-2008, 00:44

It's a pain, but even for stuff I would attach with a screw, drill and fill first with thickened epoxy. Balsa will turn to mush if left wet long enough.

estarzinger · 30-08-2009, 12:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adaero

wondered how you guys attach this stuff to balsa cored boats?
What can you recommend as the best fixing method?

Its actualy quite easy to glue mounting pads to the fiberglass surface. Use ITW Plexus

Highly loaded stuff needs to be attached to both the inside and outside skin (thru bolting or solid core) but this 'glued pad' approach is good for less highly loaded stuff - faster and easier than thru bolting and better for the core and strong than screws

Randy · 30-08-2009, 12:19

Adaero,
Here is a link to an excellent site with step by step directions for prep ofthru bolting in cored fiberglass: Sealing Deck Penetrations to Prevent Core Rot Photo Gallery by Maine Sailing at pbase.com.

barnakiel · 30-08-2009, 13:32

The answer is don't.

Any other place you can attach things? Mast? Rail?

Some stuff can be just glued to the outer skin with stuff like 3M 5200 FC - winch pouches, GPS antennas, etc.

b.

22-08-2008, 00:28	#1
Adaero Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Devon UK, Boat: Leopard 46 Cat "Tulliana" Posts: 149	Attaching Equipment I collect my new boat from Cape Town shortly and have a load of gear that needs attaching to my boat such as horseshoe buoy, storage pouches, winch handle holders, Para-Anchor attachment plates, etc. The boat has a balsa core and I have been reading some of the horror stories about water ingress and wondered how you guys attach this stuff to balsa cored boats? On the through hull bolted stuff I understand about drilling the hole, removing the balsa core for 3mm (1/8") or so and epoxying to seal the core but what about minor bits and pieces where it’s easiest to just use a self tapping screw? I read this which was useful http://www.yachtsurvey.com/hardware_attachments.htm What can you recommend as the best fixing method? Thanks __________________ Regards Adaero www.tulliana.adaero.co.uk

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22-08-2008, 00:44	#2
Evan Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Vancouver, Can. Boat: Woods 40' catamaran Posts: 273	It's a pain, but even for stuff I would attach with a screw, drill and fill first with thickened epoxy. Balsa will turn to mush if left wet long enough.

30-08-2009, 12:19	#4
Randy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Diego Boat: Searunner 31 Posts: 300	Adaero, Here is a link to an excellent site with step by step directions for prep ofthru bolting in cored fiberglass: Sealing Deck Penetrations to Prevent Core Rot Photo Gallery by Maine Sailing at pbase.com.

30-08-2009, 13:32	#5
barnakiel Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: between the devil and the deep blue sea Boat: a sailing boat Posts: 920	The answer is don't. Any other place you can attach things? Mast? Rail? Some stuff can be just glued to the outer skin with stuff like 3M 5200 FC - winch pouches, GPS antennas, etc. b.