What to fill small holes in overhead with?

[Dr. D]

While straightening out our new-to-us boat, I managed to knock a fan off from the overhead. It had been held in place by two screws which left two holes. What might I fill the holes with?

I will mount the fan back in about the same spot. However, the wiring will be quick disconnect, so the next time I need to move stuff around I can take down the fan first.

Edit: Yeah, knowing the material would help. It is white plastic of some type; the boat is from 2001. Part of the problem is I don't know exactly what it is.....

[Jsta_Rebel]

Originally Posted by Dr. D

While straightening out our new-to-us boat, I managed to knock a fan off from the overhead. It had been held in place by two screws which left two holes. What might I fill the holes with?

I will mount the fan back in about the same spot. However, the wiring will be quick disconnect, so the next time I need to move stuff around I can take down the fan first.

You didn't specify the material, but if it is teak, drill it out and pop a teak bung plug in the hole.

[JPA Cate]

The cheapest and easiest "fix" is to put 2 screws back in the hole. If the sight of them bothers you, you can fill with epoxy, or even gelcoat, that you tint to match. If the fan is going back close to the original holes, perhaps you can use one of the old holes, if not both. It's a boat, not a silk purse, it's meant to be utilitarian.

[keepondancin]

If you are putting the fan back in the same location, clean out the screw holes a little, then whittle a little wood plug that fits the hole, use wood glue and glue the plug in place. After drying, reinsert the screws in the same holes. The glue will hold well enough in the fiberglass,, and the wood will hold the screws.

[Paul L]

Put screws back in with finish washers

[Dr. D]

I knew this was the right place to post the question. Thanks!

[MarkJ]

Nice one from Paul, below.

Buy the exact same fan ti replace. It will fit the holes. Some other brands may fit too, or you may be able to get one screw to fit and the other hole disguised.

My main rule is never to drill a new hole unless its absolutely essential

Originally Posted by Paul L

Put screws back in with finish washers

[jongleur]

Maybe try Marinetex

[SVTatia]

Originally Posted by Dr. D

While straightening out our new-to-us boat, I managed to knock a fan off from the overhead. It had been held in place by two screws which left two holes. What might I fill the holes with?

I will mount the fan back in about the same spot. However, the wiring will be quick disconnect, so the next time I need to move stuff around I can take down the fan first.

Edit: Yeah, knowing the material would help. It is white plastic of some type; the boat is from 2001. Part of the problem is I don't know exactly what it is.....

If it is plastic as you mentioned, and if any of the above fails, enlarge the holes a bit an plug it.

50 Plastic Hole Plugs to Fit 1 8" Opening White Nylon | eBay

[UNCIVILIZED]

Use a fairing putty. Nothing fancy, no 2-part stuff needed. Some of it comes in large toothpaste tubes. Friends gave me some when I was near the end of my first rebuild, & was beyond wits end. It was Very much appreciated, as it was so simple to use, & took about zero time to sand.

There are other, similar things as well. Check out the WEST System product line, ditto on System Three Resins. And if you wanted to, you could simply pick up something at your local hardware store. As even some of the various sealants in a cartridge or tube would work if needed. Hard cure preferred, & make sure that whatever you get is paintable.

As to your next fan. Sometimes for small items it's best to simply bond a wooden pad to the fiberglass with silicone or similar, & attach the fan to the pad.
Then when you want to change your interior layout, you just slip a putty knife or filet knife underneath of the pad to cut the silicone, & it'll come off pretty cleanly. Usually only leaving a small bit of the silicone on the fiberglass, which is easy to remove.

[jkindredpdx]

I heard you say it was interior fiberglass/gelcoat. Locktite Marine Epoxy is white and mixes easily... about $4.50 for almost an oz at HD. rubber spatula to smooth...

Loctite 0.85 fl. oz. Marine Epoxy-1919324 - The Home Depot

[thruska]

Lots of good ideas.
It sounds like you stripped the the screw holes...
Break a toothpick or two in half insert in each of the holes with a drop or two of gorilla glue. Walk away from it for a few hours. Return with a side cutter and trim it flush.
Remount the fan.

[Dr. D]

Thanks for the inputs.

I looked more carefully today at the situation. Turns out that part of the overhead is a thin shell, not foam like some parts of the overhead and bulkheads. The two screws were holding on by a single thread; most likely the fan had fallen out before.

Hence, no hole filling. I will put a spacer with a hole through it over each hole, then put in a drywall anchor. That will secure to the overhead well enough.