Screws loose on outhill bench seating

[Huib1965]

Quick question... I noticed over the weekend the 4 screws holding the vinyl seat screwed on top of the Outhill bench seat were loose... Tried to tighten them but no grip so there is a problem.. Havent taken it off yet but I assume the screws are not gripping the marine ply anymore ... I am sure we all had this issue so any ideas how to fix this ? I was thinking some stainless toggle fixings or self drive fixings might do the trick ? Appriciate your help on this... txs Huib

Bench Seat (BS18A)

[Poly]

If they are self tapping screws they can break the thread if over tightened. The usual solution is to move to the next "diameter" up of screw. HOWEVER, if they have failed in ply in a seat it is quite possible the ply has got wet and soft, in which case the only real fix is to replace the ply. You may get some luck with thoroughly drying, sealing/filling hole and fitting bigger screws but it will be temporary.

[willk]

If the ply is soft, and you just want a quick (almost instant) fix - the following worked well for me for a couple of seasons:

Lift the bench cover and cut an X in the fabric around the screw hole. Use a large wood bit to cut out a hole just a mm or so smaller than a brush shaft (which you have spare ) Cut small plugs of shaft, taper them slightly with a grinder or file and tap them into the ply base. If the base is or gets damp the shaft plugs will swell and lock into place. Job done.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by willk

If the ply is soft, and you just want a quick (almost instant) fix - the following worked well for me for a couple of seasons:

Lift the bench cover and cut an X in the fabric around the screw hole. Use a large wood bit to cut out a hole just a mm or so smaller than a brush shaft (which you have spare ) Cut small plugs of shaft, taper them slightly with a grinder or file and tap them into the ply base. If the base is or gets damp the shaft plugs will swell and lock into place. Job done.

Till it falls to bits and let's you down that is....I'd get it (the ply) replaced,and do the job right,not a big one after all.

[two stroke mick]

How old is the seat. Given the price of these items I find this kind of thing very annoying

[willk]

Originally Posted by Maximus

Till it falls to bits and let's you down that is....I'd get it (the ply) replaced,and do the job right,not a big one after all.

Like I said - it got me over a problem and back on the water instantly. The "repair" lasted for two seasons (so over a year) and I eventually replaced the seats due to damaged vinyl. Ultimately, a loose seat base isn't likely to be a critical failure.

[Huib1965]

Hi.... Now I think about it ... the Rib is 2015 so 5 years old.... It's not falling of yet and might write to Outhill and see whay they say... Are they not based on the IOW now anyway ?

[gareth9702]

I had the same problem on my Revenger jockey seat. I stripped the vinyl and foam back, allowed the seat base to dry, then covered it liberally with epoxy resin. The wooden base seemed sufficiently good when dry for this to be effective. The epoxy reduced the size of the previous screw holes and allowed the original screws to bite as they went in. Just to be sure, I put additional epoxy resin into the screw holes and put it back together before this had gone off to "bond" the screws into place. This has lasted for a season so far with no evidence of becoming loose.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Huib1965

Hi.... Now I think about it ... the Rib is 2015 so 5 years old....

Could you PM me the lottery numbers from 2020 please

[Huib1965]

Ha ha ... 2010 :-)

[Huib1965]

Any views on toggle fixings.. I still think its the best option..

[samt]

Originally Posted by Huib1965

Hi.... Now I think about it ... the Rib is 2015 so 5 years old.... It's not falling of yet and might write to Outhill and see whay they say... Are they not based on the IOW now anyway ?

Yes and no, the moulds were bought by Cheetah marine, looks like they've kept the name, but it is a different company.