Winch Handle Pocket

[FabioC]

This should be a relatively straightforward project, but I have plenty of dumb questions, so I better ask before starting to drill holes in my cockpit.

I'd like to install an additional winch handle pocket near one that is already installed (see pictures, disregard the dirt on it...). I have the following doubts:

1. I would like to match the hardware used, but cannot seem to find the same fasteners. Any suggestions?

2. What is the proper way to install something like this in the cockpit? How do you make sure that the holes are sealed and do not cause any infiltrations?

3. For this specific handle pocket (both the existing one and the new one) the back of the cockpit wall is not accessible (there is a double panel fiberglassed on the back). This makes it impossible to simply use bolts and capped nuts, like all other pieces of hardware on deck. How does this work? How did they tie them? are these rivets?

Thank you!

[Afrakes]

Those are just Torx round head sheet metal screws. Try McMaster-Carr for supply,

[Orion Jim]

Bet they just used what was easily available. If no access behind it means they just used self tapping screws, hopefully bedded with a little caulk to seal the opening.

[Franziska]

Once you countersunk your newly drilled mounting holes (diameter to match the center of your screws). Add some Sikaflex or similar on the tip of the screws when you have fed them through the holes of the holster.
Than tighten them slightly.
Do NOT use silicone!

[Madehn]

+1 McMaster Carr

[dfelsent]

+1 (and more ) McMaster Carr.
Thread drift alert.
Please tell me about your favorite handle pockets.
I haven’t found one that does not deteriorate yet.
TIA

[Franziska]

This one lasts fairly good. Add a bigger drain at the bottom.

[steve77]

We have one of these mounted to the binnacle guard and really like it. It keeps the handle secure and cannot hold water. We also have one at the mast that is much like the one in the OP's picture.

V008 - Winch Handle Pocket | Snapit!


Cheers!

Steve

[FabioC]

Originally Posted by Franziska

Once you countersunk your newly drilled mounting holes (diameter to match the center of your screws). Add some Sikaflex or similar on the tip of the screws when you have fed them through the holes of the holster.
Than tighten them slightly.
Do NOT use silicone!

@Franziska: Could you please elaborate on why silicone is not appropriate for this application?
With Sikaflex, is it still possible to remove the screws in the future, or does it bond to the fiberglass extremely hard?
Thank you!

[Franziska]

If you use a small drop of Sika you will be able to get the screws back out later.
The countersinking let's the Sika cure as a small gasket ring and seals the open fibres in the hole.

Silicone should be never used onboard. Should you ever need to paint an area and get only a very small amount on that surface (or worse under the sander during preparation for painting) you'll end up with pinholes in the surface when painted.

We have only one small tube of very high temperature silicone on board to make emergency gaskets on engines. No other silicone is allowed on board.

There are plenty of alternatives for it.
Sika is one of the best. By the way, there are several types of Sika, ranging from structural glue to window glue to bedding compounds.

Some people use butyl tape under bigger fittings. Personally I am not a big fan of it, as you have a hard time to remove its residue should you ever need to remove that fitting permanently.