stantion base plate screws

[vic33004]

has anyone had to recaulk the bow rail deck plate screws on a 4260? i wrongly assumed they were self tapping wood screws. it looks like they are machine threads with backing nuts and washers. without taking the boat apart to do this, is there some solution that i've overlooked?

 

[rommer]

I've always wondered why manufacturers don't tack weld the bolts to the backing plate and glue the plate to the hull when through bolting railings. While I agree that thru bolting is the absolutely right way to go it becomes a major headache when something needs to be fixed like in Vic's case.