Recent posts
#11
Main Message Board / Re: Hatch covers for forward a...
Last post by Ron Hill - July 09, 2025, 03:08:41 PMKrafty : I made my own covers out of Sunbrella (easy to do) Sewed in some elastic in the hem. You need that covering to protect the acrylic from the UV crazing. Hatch closes and locks with no problem !!
If you sleep in the V-berth it also keeps you from getting "Moon Burnt".
A thought
If you sleep in the V-berth it also keeps you from getting "Moon Burnt".
A thought
#12
Main Message Board / Re: Dodger Fasteners
Last post by Ron Hill - July 09, 2025, 03:01:36 PMTim : As mentioned - Drill out the pop rivets, fill the holes with epoxy, and use screws with caulk!!
A thought
A thought
#13
Main Message Board / Re: Dodger Fasteners
Last post by TortolaTim - July 09, 2025, 11:13:46 AMThanks, all. Good info!
#14
Main Message Board / Re: Dodger Fasteners
Last post by Phil Spicer - July 09, 2025, 08:02:22 AM 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
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
#15
Main Message Board / Re: Dodger Fasteners
Last post by scgunner - July 09, 2025, 06:04:18 AMTim,
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.
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.
#16
Main Message Board / Re: Hatch covers for forward a...
Last post by krafty81 - July 08, 2025, 09:52:11 PMNice covers! I want!
#17
Main Message Board / Re: Hatch covers for forward a...
Last post by Noah - July 08, 2025, 07:06:28 PMKrafty— This is what my forward hatch covers looks like the elastic sewn into hem allows it to grip the frame whether open or shut.
#18
Main Message Board / Re: Hatch covers for forward a...
Last post by WTunnessen - July 08, 2025, 06:00:35 PMMy covers uses 1/4" elastic cord which holds them in place. Had them made at my local canvas shop. Haven't blow away yet!
#19
Main Message Board / Re: Hatch covers for forward a...
Last post by krafty81 - July 08, 2025, 12:16:52 PMQuote from: Noah on July 08, 2025, 10:58:53 AMMy hatch covers are intended to minimize UV crazing to hatch lens.Yes that is what I am looking for. No snaps, protect the outside from the sun. I have a cover on the inside of the forward hatch that attaches like a roll down shade. No snaps, hopefully.
#20
Main Message Board / Re: Hatch covers for forward a...
Last post by Noah - July 08, 2025, 10:58:53 AMMy hatch covers are intended to minimize UV crazing to hatch lens.