Riv Nuts in fiberglass(for grab handle)

M

MaineSeaRay

New Member
Jun 26, 2020
10
Boat Info
2007 SeaRay 175 sport
Engines
3.0 Mercruiser
Hey guys replacing the grab handles in the bow of my 175 sport, and long story short you can’t reach the backside..... so I ended up cutting off the old bolts/handles and I am looking for a blind nut to press in the fiberglass to bolt the new handles to. I have been looking at riv nuts or threaded inserts but not sure if that’s what I should use. Was looking for some advice on what would be the best thing to use when I can’t access the back side.
Thanks guys
Bryan
 
I don't think any kind of insert is going to stay in the fiberglass good enough for a grab handle.

I don't know your boat, but there is likely some panel or seating that you take off to access the back.

What about a wing-nut toggle bolt:
https://www.amazon.com/Swpeet-Assor...ords=sheetrock+anchors&qid=1594404442&sr=8-10

Not sure if you can find them in stainless though... you could replace the bolt with SS.
 
Grainger has stainless steel toggle bolts.

I think depending on how thick the hull is in that area a bonded in threaded insert might work.

Thinner than 3/8” and I’d think you’re SOL.
 
What about stainless T nuts? If not those then Stainless toggle bolts as mentioned.
 
Those are very cool. They look like they require a smaller hole than the common spring loaded toggles.

Thanks for posting.
 
I'd try the rivnuts. What do you have to lose? I've used them several times in metal and fiberglass (non boat related) and they always have worked well. They held on my winglets with my C7 vette at 145 mph (in Mexico of course). :D
 
No on Rivet nuts. Fiberglass is too brittle. The force to mushroom a riv nut will possibly crack the surrounding area. If that happens any strength is gone. If you want to ever remove this and the nut spins you will hate life. Especially with stainless fasteners. My advice try to get behind it even if you had to make an access hole. The toggle bolt in stainless is probably your best option. At least it’s gonna grab more material making is stronger. Especially for a grab handle.
 
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