Sealing gear track during installation.

How have the rest of you done it?this is my first time drilling in my hull so I just want to have a good idea how to do seal up the bolts/holes during my track installation. Thanks.

put a ring or glob of Marine Goop or Aquaseal around each bolt, so it'll create a waterproof gasket between the gear track and the hull of your kayak when you bolt down the gear track.

put a ring or glob of Marine Goop or Aquaseal around each bolt, so it'll create a waterproof gasket between the gear track and the hull of your kayak when you bolt down the gear track.

Thanks Pete.this is my first installation ever that requires drilling so I'm trying to be right the first time.

I just made the screw holes the size they need to be so that the screws need to be threaded in and can't just be pushed in. Then I did my usual coating of grease before screwing them in. Done.

Use a drill bit that is slightly less in diameter than the bolts for your tracks.

I just made the screw holes the size they need to be so that the screws need to be threaded in and can't just be pushed in. Then I did my usual coating of grease before screwing them in. Done.

Use a drill bit that is slightly less in diameter than the bolts for your tracks.

Thanks Jeff that's a great idea to.

Yep, just do what Jeff said.  You don't need to put glue or sealant on every hole you put in your boat.

    No sealant on all the screws in 8 gear tracks on the aircraft carrier      just drill it already and post up pictures of your NEW toy when it's done

Yep, just do what Jeff said.  You don't need to put glue or sealant on every hole you put in your boat.

Yep, I third that. I did put a little dab of sealant on each screw as I put it in; unnecessary but I was hoping it would help keep it from seizing and/or loosening. So far I've found I need to tighten the screws about twice per year (I'm using backing plates).

Thanks for all the help guys.I will get working on to when I get off work.

If using backing plates and bolts, maybe a little blue threadlock would keep from needing to tighten, unless it is due to compression of the material. I would think (in my newb ignorance) that a dab of goop around the hole may be unnecessary but never a bad thing unless done to excess.

Probably works either way. I always put a dab of marine goop on holes it can't hurt and leak sre would suck. No loosening of the bolt and backing either.