size of gap---deck/hull joint

[chris Phillips]

I just bought a "project" Nitro 911 cdc. The hull/deck joint was loose on one side. I have removed the rub-rail and all screws, cut away all old sealer and roughed up both

pieces of the joint to prepare for 3M adhesive/sealant. Question is: the gap between top

cap and hull is at least a 1/4 inch and I'm wondering if I should try to close this up

more? Like getting the two pieces to pull together closer before re-installing rub-rail or is this size gap/opening normal??? Appreciate some opinions. THANKS

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

On my 929 there was a lot of gap between the hull and topcap. This is one of the reasons I think they vibrate the rubrail screws out. When you reattach the rub rail, they will pull together a lot but if you are going to all of the trouble to pull everything apart, I would go to larger stainless screws and put more of them in as well as sealing the screws in with a good adhesive and sealant to keep them from backing out under the rubrail. Normally sealing the bottom of the rubrail housing makes the area watertight so I would not seal the gap between the topcap and hull. It won't stay sealed anyway because there is too much movement even tightened down.



TOXIC

 

[chris Phillips]

Thanks TOXIC.

I got bigger screws and plan to put a lot more of them in there before re-attaching

rubrail and sealing everything up. Thanks Again.

 

[C Shiner]

If I was at your stage of the project, I would install as many ss bolts and nylon lock nuts as I could reasonability access. I would not over tighten the bolts (as compared to the screw to cause any cracking) as the nut/bolt would likely never loosen up. Hey, the bolts may help stabilize the joint to help keep the screws from working loose in the future.

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

Just don't put too many in because that could actually weaken the bond. I would split the difference (1 inbetween each 2) and upsize them a little, also don't go too big or tighten too much. That's where the adhesive sealer on the screws comes in. After all this is fiberglass not wood or metal.



TOXIC