pulled light fixture out of fiberglass boat

**tader** · 01-31-2013, 05:00 PM

i pulled my light fixture out of my fiber glass boat the other evening while duck hunting. i don't have any experience working on fiber glass and was curious if anyone else has had this problem and how you fixed it. if you have any pictures or advice it would be of much help. under the fixture there is nothing but foam so there is nothing for the screws to bite to because the fiberglass holes have had the screws ripped out and no way to get to the underside unless i take the top off of the boat which i don't care to do.

thanks for any help
tader

**"G"** · 01-31-2013, 06:05 PM

Get some of those tap in the hole plastic screw anchors that they have to put screws in sheet rock etc. Just tap one into each hole and re-mount your light and screw your screws into the plastic anchors.

**dahut** · 01-31-2013, 06:23 PM

Since you have access from behind, I'd use some 1/4-20 bolts, large washers and lock nuts.

**skeetbum** · 01-31-2013, 06:42 PM

I think you have 2 options. One is to open the large hole enough to move the mount forward into new material. This will leave the one small hole behind that I would clean up and fill with silicone and live with. The other is to take a piece of aluminum or stainless that's big enough to hold the fixture and allow for holes into fresh material on the corners. A thicker piece of aluminum would allow you to countersink the corner screws and keep the snag factor low. I would generously apply some 5200 silicone on the underside after a dry fit to attach it to the glass for eternity. Another option is to drill the holes in the fixture oversize and go to the next size screws. The plastic inserts will work for a while but will fail when stressed.

**tader** · 01-31-2013, 08:47 PM

Thanks for all the help guys
tader

**Slipcork** · 02-01-2013, 09:52 AM

Think I would go with new bigger screws. Got some with bigger threads and put silicone on them before you install. Or if you can, cut and glue two small piece of wood. Like from a wood paint paddle, and work them in from big hole. Then a bigger screw on back hole.

You should pre drill the wood after you get it in place.

**no1son** · 02-01-2013, 10:08 AM

Have you tried toggle bolts?

**strmwalker** · 02-01-2013, 11:35 AM

give these a try!!!you can buy them at lowes,home depot,or wal-mart!!!!they are called
E-Z Ancor Twist and Lock Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors they will work on fiberglass as well and hold real good!!!!

**papasage** · 02-03-2013, 09:14 PM

yep stainless steel

**CatFan** · 02-07-2013, 07:24 AM

Here's a method I've used for holes from a couple of inch diameter up to three feet diameter.

Get a piece of treated wood and rip it so it is just narrow enough to fit through the hole. Drill a starter hole for one screw into it in a spot that will work for one of the light base holes. Put some silicon adhesive on the board and put it through the hole and line up the screw hole with the screw hole in the fiberglass. Run the screw in to pull the board snug to the bottom of the glass. Let the adhesive cure. Put another piece of wood on the other side. You have a wooden base to drive the screws into. Once you have starter holes for all three screws it is a snap.

Not a bad idea to tie a string or wire to the board in case you fumble it while getting it into position.

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