Thanks guys. I got the Dr. Laser instructions. We may use the epoxy soaked sponge method.
Hey Merrily, can you post the "epoxy soaked sponge method" specifics? I'm intrigued.
I do many boat overhauls with the sailing center I work out. What I like to do is mix in some filler with West System Epoxy... the high density filler... not the sanding/fairing stuff. I believe it's the West System 503 filler? Dont quote me on that.... Then, once it begins to harden I put the screws in. As it finishes hardening, you end up with holes that care custom fitted to the screws you put in. This works really, really well. I like to fix things so they dont ever move again.
On the same note... make sure you put the screws in before the stuff gets too hard otherwise its a pain to get the screws in!!
They are called "Toggler stainless steel fasteners". West marine sells them for about six bucks each! I looked around on the web and was able to find them for between 1 and 2 dollars each. They really do work great, but you will want to be careful if you pay what West marine charges! They are available in 10-24, 3/16", 1/4", and 1/2" diameters.
Barometer Soup
Park City Sailing Association
I have used Togglers and they work really well. My outhaul/cunningham upgrade cam cleats are held to the deck with them because the plywood core had rotted and I could not reach the underside from the inspection hole. I had never thought of using them for this application. Regarding the use of 5200, it would be my last choice. All you really want to do is keep the water out. for that, life seal will work just fine.Did you also use 5200 around the holes?