Engine access on the J/109 is way easier if we remove the top companionway step, so over the years that’s clearly been done a bunch of times.
And of course with each removal and reinstallation the screw holes in the retaining battens underneath have got bigger and more ragged. So people have replaced the screws with ever bigger and longer ones.
But we can only go so far with that, plus there’s a better way that solves this problem forever wherever a screw will be repeatedly removed and reinstalled into wood (or fibreglass):
Change to machine screws and threaded inserts as shown above.
Here’s the hole (bottom) with the threaded insert screwed in.
And for extra points, change to a round-head screw with a washer, instead of the usual countersunk head that will slowly wear through the step or whatever is being attached.
All that said, don’t try and install threaded inserts without the right tool—only way to get them in straight and true.
Here’s the finished step that can now be removed any time I want to without worrying about stripped screws. The electrical panel is next.
Better than a round head in an exposed area is a truss head. Just a little less intrusion…
Hi David,
Sure, but in that case it’s pretty much impossible to put your foot there because of the way the companionway is configured.
The next upgrade is to use socket (Allen head) counter sunk machine screws with recessed cup washers. Allen heads don’t strip out like Phillips heads and look much neater. Less frustrating when removing and replacing often. Also, if the back is accessible, T-nuts work very well, are less expensive than threaded inserts, and easier to install.
Source of recessed cup washers: https://fairwindfasteners.com/products/copy-of-silicon-bronze-flush-countersunk-washers
Hi Randall,
Sure, I like Allen head screws too. That said it can be difficult to get them in 316 which I insist on for my boats. That said Macmaster Carr is a great source.
And yes, T nuts can work, but they also tend to drop off the back after a while, so I much prefer threaded inserts, even though they take a bit more work to install.