Screws!!!!!

[Capt. Ken]

Well, upon going thru my boat,(31' CC Sedan) I've noticed that ALOT of the screws are in fact, stripped. My first question is should I use brass again or can I save money by using galvanized or stainless? What is the proper method for this part of the repair? Should I remove them and replace them with a size up in width and length, Am I supposed to squeeze epoxy in the hole first? For time sake, would it be ok to just drive screws right next to each one-leaving the old ones in. Are ther any types of screws that come in strip form that I can use with one of those automatic screwdriver rigs? Basically, what I am asking here is what is the easiest, fastest way to do this without sacrificing safety or longevity, This is the craziest thing I have done so far but I really want to do it. Running a full time business and finding the time is the hard part. I appreciate all the encouragement and advice

[pcford]

Well, upon going thru my boat,(31' CC Sedan) I've noticed that ALOT of the screws are in fact, stripped. My first question is should I use brass again or can I save money by using galvanized or stainless? What is the proper method for this part of the repair? Should I remove them and replace them with a size up in width and length

They are not brass. They are bronze. You can go up a gauge and a bit in length. In a perfect world you would get all of the old screw out. But it's not a perfect world.

[RodB]

I would think as in epoxy composite construction, optimally, not one screw should be put into wood that is not bedded with epoxy... moisture getting into screw holes is the most likely cause of rot later on... you can just dab the screw with epoxy and put her in...

I would think at minimum you would dab your screws in varnish to seal the screw holes.... I am sure many here that are very knowledgable about traditional CC construction and will advise you.

Good luck,

RodB

[Captain Blight]

Didn't the Herreshoffs use thickened shellack? Seems expensive.

[SchoonerRat]

Don't mix metals, replace 'em with bronze.

[Ed Harrow]

When you say "stripped" - what, exactly, do you mean?

1. The head's all messed up and so you can't get a screwdriver to bite?
2. The threads are trashed, and the screw won't come out?
3. Other? (pls explain)

Yes, very likely they are bronze, and no, you don't want to mix metals (esp assuming boat is in salt water).

Stainless has its own school of horrors (crevice corrosion) in salt water environments, don't go there.