# CH16LT Kit - installing deck beam

**URL:** <https://forum.clcboats.com/t/ch16lt-kit-installing-deck-beam/35618>\
**Category:** Builder's Forum\
**Created:** [August 18, 2009, 4:33pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/ch16lt-kit-installing-deck-beam/35618 "2009-08-18T16:33:56Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Hector\_Puig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/13edae/32.png) [@Hector\_Puig](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Hector_Puig)\
**Post date:** [August 18, 2009, 4:33pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/ch16lt-kit-installing-deck-beam/35618/1 "2009-08-18T16:33:56Z")

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The manual says to drill a pilot hole for the deck beam using a #8 Fuller bit. I was not familiar with this type of bit so I did some research. Boy, it is expensive! And I haven't been able to find it local to me. I would have to order online. &nbsp;Has anyone installed the deck beam with the screw differently?

After installing the deck beam I don't see anywhere in the manual where it tells you about how to fill he hole where the screw is. I imagine I could put a plug of wood or fill it with thickened epoxy. Any other ideas?

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**Author:** ![Larry\_Mcinnis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f17d59/32.png) [@Larry\_Mcinnis](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Larry_Mcinnis)\
**Post date:** [August 18, 2009, 6:04pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/ch16lt-kit-installing-deck-beam/35618/2 "2009-08-18T18:04:39Z")

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I've read where folks installed those deckbeams without screws, just clamping pressure to hold everything in place until the epoxy cures.&nbsp; That's my plan... rather not have the screws showing in the finished product.

Good luck,

Larry

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**Author:** ![Hector\_Puig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/13edae/32.png) [@Hector\_Puig](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Hector_Puig)\
**Post date:** [August 18, 2009, 7:20pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/ch16lt-kit-installing-deck-beam/35618/3 "2009-08-18T19:20:42Z")

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Yeah, I have read posts where the person did not use the screw. But I don’t mind the screw showing and I feel more comfortable if it is there like the instructions say.

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**Author:** ![Christopher\_Sousa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Christopher\_Sousa](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Christopher_Sousa)\
**Post date:** [August 18, 2009, 8:33pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/ch16lt-kit-installing-deck-beam/35618/4 "2009-08-18T20:33:35Z")

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Hector,&nbsp;

I just put my deck on, and didn't use a screw to hold the deck beam. &nbsp;I can assure you that epoxy thickened with wood flour is stronger then any bronze screw you can put in there. &nbsp;You'll be drilling the screw into the end-grain plywood of the deck beam, which doesn't actually give any surface for the screw to grab. &nbsp;I clamped scrap wood to the sheer clamp to act as a shelf, put plastic over it, and clamped the deck beam lightly to that on each side. &nbsp;This kept the beam in vertical alignment until the epoxy cured. &nbsp;

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**Author:** ![Hector\_Puig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/13edae/32.png) [@Hector\_Puig](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Hector_Puig)\
**Post date:** [August 18, 2009, 9:41pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/ch16lt-kit-installing-deck-beam/35618/5 "2009-08-18T21:41:12Z")

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Okay, then I will go that route. This way I don't have to worry about drilling the hole. One less thing that can go wrong.&nbsp;

Thanks all for the help.&nbsp;