Help! New boat owner fiberglass repair

[cquinn26]

I just boat a new boat and it has only been in the water once. My buddy and I were installing my sonar/depth finder, followed instructions to the T. After predrilling a hole for the transducer in the hull and screwing by hand, the screw snapped half way. The fiberglass broke away slightly around the area as well. I filled the area with adhesive for now. If I am able to mount the bracket over top this mistake along with the adhesive, will that keep the imperfections from spreading? Anyone have any clue beside bad workman ship why the screw snapped?

[bravo-4]

You may have hit a metal stringer or other structual member, in order to prevent the fiberglass or gelcoat from crackingafter you drill the pilot hole take a counter sink bit ,either an 82 or 100 degree will do, and countersink it to just below the gelcoat surface, this will prevent the cracking,Good luck...

[went522]

Counter sinking as bravo stated needs to be done to prevent the cracking. Also, putting the screw in the freezer for a few minutes before installing will slightly shrink them down making them easier to install, when they warm back up the hold will be solid! You might want to consider a transducer mounting board, if you ever need to install more or different transducers or speed wheels yo don't have to drill a bunch more holes in your boat.