gunnel guard installation questions

[Captain Tim]

I'm using Taylor Made gunnel guard on my Spindrift 11. 

What do I use to bed the hundred and fifty screws holding the gunnel guard to the gunnel?

Looking to prevent rot but wouldn't be opposed to some adhesion too.

According to this forum silicon caulking is out of the question.

[Aphers]

I cheaped out and used split PVC pipe, but I think the principle is the same.

I pre-drilled each hole and put a dab of epoxy on the end of every screw. I think that every time you expose wood, you should give it unthickened epoxy. The runnier the better.

[Captain Tim]

Thanks Aphers. Did you make small batches so it didn't kick off before you got to the end?

Or did you put them all in first then back each one out to put the epoxy in?

 

[Aphers]

I drilled the holes first, then made up the epoxy. It was pretty tedious.

[Hirilonde]

I bedded each screw in BoatLife LifeCaulk when installing my gunwale guard.  My Spindrift is now 18 years old and has lived 3 seasons outdoors in the water at a dinghy dock and many cruises. I see no sign of damage at all.

[Captain Tim]

Thanks, Hirilonde, what type of wood did you use for the guards? 

[Hirilonde]

I used polyester over foam gunwale guard.  https://shop.hamiltonmarine.com/products/gunwale-guard-polyester-foam-3-4-round--by-ft--14730.html

 

 

[Captain Tim]

Hirilonde two questions. What did you use for spacing the screws 4", 5" or 6"centers.

And did you blind screw the top edge of the gunnel guard? meaning you put the screw in and folded the guard over to cover the screws.

The picture looks like you may have done it that way but I couldn't really tell. I like the idea though.

Off topic: how far back are your oar locks from the seat?

[Hirilonde]

Yes to blind screws/fold and 4" spacing.  The rowlock socket is 14" aft of the meeting bulkhead.  I believe the plans specify location.

[Aphers]

On 1/15/2024 at 9:01 AM, Hirilonde said:

Yes to blind screws/fold and 4" spacing.  The rowlock socket is 14" aft of the meeting bulkhead.  I believe the plans specify location.

I think exact location is dependant on the user. I sat in the boat and tried to figure out the best position. Maybe an inch here or there doesn't really matter that much.