The best answer is don't!

Posted By: Ramblin' Rod s/v SeaQuell - Mac 26D - Georgian Bay, ON
Date: 3/2/08 7:39a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: fastening blocks to deck (Albert)

Two methods for turning lines from the mast to run across the deck are: A) Mount a deckplate under the mast, with flanges around the perimiter, bent up on a 45, with holes through which turning blocks can be attached. B) Mount padeyes a few inches up from the base of the mast, through which turning blocks can be attached. Either method avoids driling holes through the deck, where if bedding fails, the plywood core could get wet and rot. As for the on-deck line organizers, there are two preferred methods, first being most. A) Drill the required size hole through the deck. Bend the tip of a finishing nail (about 3/8") over 90 degrees. Put the nail in a drill, and dig out the plywood core between the upper and lower FRP laminate. Cover the underside of the hole with tape, and fill the hole with epoxy. Redrill the hole when cured. Bed the fitting wiht 3M 4200 or equivalent. (Now if the bedding fails, water can leak into the cabin, but not into the plywood core.) B) As above but drill the first hole oversize, fill with epoxy and redrill required size. (Not quite as strong a method A, but quite a bit less work and faster.)