Should I take off the screws ?

[hyboats]

we usually use screws to fasten the deck and hull then laminate inside of the joints. After lamination should take the screws off
(only 25% of the deck and hull joints can be laminated inside, others hand can't reach)
Some people told me if not take the screws off then after several years the screws will fall out themselves and take the rubber gunnel off. Is that true
Look at the photo

[m3mm0s rib]

Instead of screws you can put aluminum rivets. is better

[FMS]

Do you also 5200 or sikaflex the joint where it can't be laminated?
Depending on use and abuse, I see screws working loose on 10-20 year old boats. If not tightened, the screws work their holes larger and then it gets rapidly worse. I saw one boat where you could press in the side by 1/4" because the screws had worked their holes loose and the owner didn't notice!

[Submarine Tom]

If they are stainless you could counter sink them, sika or 5200 over them OR remove them, clean or even over-drill the holes and fill with a high tensile epoxy mix, then sika or 5200 cap them.

-Tom

[gonzo]

The screws come loose when there is movement between the deck and hull. There is sometimes too much shear stress. If you laminate the joint, that won't be a problem.

[PAR]

The screws shouldn't come loose, if on close enough centers and no damage has been absorbed. This assumes the hull shell/deck cap joint was well bedded too and no appreciable movement is expected. Who ever told you they'll fall out, hasn't made too many repairs on 30, 40 and 50 year old 'glass hulls.