How to Deal with Screw Heads on Hatch Gel Coat

[baldbaby2000]

I'm replacing the wood screws holding the front hatch adjuster track to the hatch with nuts and bolts. The bolt head will be exposed on the top of the hatch. What is the best way to do this to ensure that the gel coat doesn't start cracking? Do I use finishing washers? Do I remove the gel coat from under the screw head so it's only pushing on the fiberglass?

[mike]

How 'bout using a countersink bit to make a nice little recess for a flat-head machine screw to fit into?

--Mike

[Moe]

I'm just going to use standard sized (not fender) washers under the head. If you're concerned about stress, you might want to use a neoprene washer under the standard one.

--
Moe