Screw Hole Repair

[Comet]

What is the best way to repair the stripped screw holes in a wooden boat? The boat is a Comet from the early 40's in original condition.

Thanks!

[Oyster]

We could use a few more details. What is stripped, the holes in the frames or ribs, or just the screws spin in their holes? It the heads stripped off of the fasteners? Have you examined the fasteners? Are they original? Questions that may or may not be relevant to the job, too. How did you come about asking this question?

[Comet]

I've just started this restoration. Today I removed the rubrails and the deck canvas.

Of the 46 original (apparently bronze) flat head screws holding the mahogany rubrails in place one was a "spinner" and two others had been knocked to the side elongating their holes.

As this project progresses I’m sure that I’ll find more screw holes in various places needing repair. I’m looking for an overview.

Thanks.

[Oyster]

I don't know the boat. But if you are having the problem in the rubrail area, with spinning screws, it sounds like the wood has just dried out. One thing that you can do is when you remove as many screws as possible, and wish to make sure that the rails are secure upon going back with your original rails, just plug the holes in the wood with bungs, at least every other one, and drill new ones. Of course this depends on the spacing of the original screw holes. You do not have to use screws in the original holes. Just plug them up. A lot of people will drill the holes completely out, over size, plug them wilth dowels to make sure that its all solid wood, too.

[longliner45]

take some toothpick size pieces ..or slightly larger ,almost filling the gap, put them into the hole ,,,and reincert the screw,just make sure you use a marine type wood,,,,when it gets wet it will be as good as ever. if not better.

[Comet]

thanks, I have mahogany from the damaged rubrail

[longliner45]

like oyster said its probably just dried out a little.,,a few drops of linseed oil will help untill it gets wet ,,,,,,,,,good luck ,longliner

[Comet]

thanks again guys, I may have new rubrails milled and mount them using new screw holes...should the old holes be filled or sealed? if so with what?

[VKRUE]

Hello Comet... Yes, absolutly ! I'm not a boat designer or builder but, I am restoring an old wooden boat of my own... a 1960. In my research and studying I have determined that ANY hole that is left unsealed is a trap for water to gather. When I removed my rubrails I mixed up some "THICKENED EPOXY" and dipped my dowel pegs in the thickened mixture then lightly tapped these pegs into each hole, completely sealing the holes. Later I came back and cut off the excess peg protruding. Will replace with new rubrail using new holes offset from the original ones. NO HOLES OR CRACKS LEFT OPEN OR UNPLUGGED ANYWHERE ON THE BOAT ! No place for water or condensation to accumulate.
Hope this helps.
VKRUE

[Comet]

Thanks for the reply...I plan to take your advise.