Dodger Fasteners

[TortolaTim]

This is the area just aft of the traveler where the base of the rarely used dodger attaches. The twist-lock fasteners are loose, and I just noticed that one of the mounting rivets is broken. My question is..what is underneath this seemingly "hollow" elevated space? Is it exposed to the deck core? I'm wondering how quickly I need to address these loose fasteners and how to seal and secure them better. It was installed years ago by a PO and I don't know if those rivets are really the correct way to attach those things. Thanks!

[waughoo]

It is likely open to the core if not directly, it will be through the pocketa and voids in the laminate/layup.  I would recommend taking care of it before winter.

[scgunner]

Tim,

Those turnbuckles are traditionally installed with screws. Pop rivets are designed for sheet metal applications the rivet expands behind the metal to hold the item in place. In fiberglass the rivet only stays in place by expanding and creating a friction hold so it can work itself out under any stress or vibration. The proper way to do it would be with a backing plate which is not an option here. If it was me I'd fill the hole with epoxy and screw the screw in while it's still wet. Also I wouldn't worry about the other pop rivets until they became a problem.

[Phil Spicer]

 Tim, my 88 has some kind of foam in that area, not a void area.  Not soft like a foam coffee cup. Very tight cell, what ever was used, not plywood. I pulled the screw in snaps to put Bed-it tape in the holes to keep out water.
 You may want to drill out the rivets and do as Kevin suggested, fill with thickened epoxy. Thickened so it doesn't run out before settling. I don't remember if the core is soft enough to run a screw in without drilling first. If you can, hog out the core without a larger hole in the fiberglass so you get a good base that will hold well.
 Another idea good luck
      Phil
 

[TortolaTim]

Thanks, all. Good info!

[Ron Hill]

Tim : As mentioned - Drill out the pop rivets, fill the holes with epoxy, and use screws with caulk!!

A thought