Correct fasteners for a swim platform/ladder

[Wrestling Coach]

I am looking for information regarding the correct fasteners to use when installing an aftermarket swim platform/ladder to the back of an '83 GW Tournament 19 IO. Most come with "hardware included" but is it correct hardware for a fiberglass boat? :hmm I am wondering about the thread type. Fine thread vs course thread into fiberglass. Also should you first drill a pilot hole before applying the fastener? Thanks in advance.

Dennis

 

[gw204]

For something like a swim platform you want to through bolt whenever possible. I have never had any problems using regular stainless steel nuts and bolts sourced from the local hardware store.

Drill your mounting holes oversize, then backfill with thickened epoxy to seal off the core. Then redrill the proper size hole for the bolt (I like to put a slight countersink on the outside as well), seal it w/ 4200 and be done with it.

Of course if your transom is already saturated, just drill the proper size hole and seal the bolts.

 

[Wrestling Coach]

Brian thanks for your reply. Well I hadn't considered bolting all the way through with stainless. But I like that idea. Now to find the access to do that if possible.

Dennis

 

[GulfSea]

One thing I see done far to often is cutting off bolts/screws to length. Try not to do that as the exposed cut metal surface will rust; I've changed out probably 20-25 screws on my boat over the past month just fine tuning everything.