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Filling small screw holes in dash

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Filling small screw holes in dash

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Old 01-13-2023 | 09:43 PM
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Default Filling small screw holes in dash

Had my boat in the shop to have some gel coat and paint work done. I asked him to fill in a few screw holes up in the dash where the GPS was mounted. Spoke with him today and he said to really fix it he would’ve had to remove the windscreen etc and would’ve been a costly fix. While I appreciate him not charging me a thousand bucks for 4 screw holes, there has to be a DIY job that looks better than holes.

I’m not sure what it’s even made of maube white acrylic?
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Old 01-14-2023 | 12:49 AM
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Marine Tex should work
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Old 01-14-2023 | 06:49 AM
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I've always had great luck with EVERCOAT gelcoat repair kits...gives one the ability to create the perfect color match. Heck, even 3M 4200/5200 sealant can make a very acceptable, nearly imperceptible repair. Much better than open holes, for sure.
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Old 01-14-2023 | 07:37 AM
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Drive a piece of wood dowel into the screw hole till there’s 1/16-1/8 below the surface and fill with marine Tex of thickened gelcoat.
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Old 01-14-2023 | 07:48 AM
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Thanks all! I’ll get some of that on order and give it a go. Headed to grab the boat this morning. Should be all ready for me to smash into another dock this summer.
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Old 01-14-2023 | 10:18 PM
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Wood dowel.
https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/...rew-holes.html
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Old 01-14-2023 | 11:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Rookie
Curious, what is the benefit of the wooden dowel over just filling with epoxy?

Thanks
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Old 01-15-2023 | 08:56 AM
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Originally Posted by 540Fever
Curious, what is the benefit of the wooden dowel over just filling with epoxy?

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One thing I have noticed is...an open hole can create a 'bubble' as the filler (epoxy, etc) cures.
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Old 01-15-2023 | 10:51 AM
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Originally Posted by 540Fever
Curious, what is the benefit of the wooden dowel over just filling with epoxy?

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Epoxy is strong yet brittle. There is little flexing and might crack if you run another screw in. Also getting voids in the middle. If you plan on never putting another screw in your probably good.
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