Mounting a seat pedestal!

[john sturdivant]

Does anyone have any helpfull hints on mounting a seat pedestal?? I am going to take out a baitwell seat combo from my boat and put in a regular pedestal for the passenger seat.
I know I won't be able to access under the deck for thru bolting. I was thinking of using #14 lags into the plywood encapsulated fiberglass deck and maybe putting 5200 in the holes before tightening. Will this be strong enough, I'd hate to see my passenger go flying!!!

Any input is appreciated, thanks in advance!!!

JOHN
SPORT-CRAFT 252

[jtburf]

Bad idea when you extend the height of the leverage /force those lag's will rip out ...simply add a hatch plate and put a backer plate , thru bolt and seaql all your hole's with epoxy to start with ....john

[dry doc]

second on jt. dan

[inkahootz]

If you don't want a deckplate showing, cut a hole in the deck under the pedastal base big enough to get your hand into. Then use backing plates behind each bolt with nylock nuts. Don't forget to seal the exposed core with epoxy real good.

[Garett]

Nothing wrong with either idea. But given a choice I'd rather not have an inspection hatch showing. Therefore I'd opt for inkahootz's way.

Lets say you install a unit with a 9" base cut a 6" hole (use a protractor to draw this circle and at the same time draw a 9" circle). That should mean you should be able to comfortably get a pair of 5 1/2"x1/$4" wide SS plates inside under the deck. To determine the length of SS needed (that will physically fit into the opening) work with scrap wood of the same dimensions; just keep cutting the length down until fits into the opening. (Cut SS plates to this length). Once the wood piece is inside the hole, rotate the stick 360 degrees while holding the stick up against the underside of the floor; you are checking for obstructions.

Drill and tap the SS plates to the size and spacing of the pedestal base mounting holes. Try to keep any given mounting holes in the SS plate to a min. 1" from the edge of the plates. Dry fit base with plates, ensuring every bolt is aligned with the holes in the base.

While the plates are still attached to the ped. base mark a spot on one of the plates that you will drill and tape for a bolt to be installed on the top side of the plate (when installed). This bolt will sever as a handle for installation purposes and later be removed.

Put base on the floor. Mark and drill slightly over sized holes for mounting the base.

Seal all exposed wood with epoxy. Dry fit the backing plates and bolts again. Redrill and seal wood if necessary.

Put both pieces of SS backing plates inside the hole. Use a few dabs of 5 minute epoxy on the first plate (the one without the bolt style handle) and clamp into place; let set for 10 minutes then remove the clamps. Install bolt style handle in second backing plate, add a few dabs of 5 min. epoxy and hold into place while install several bolts as a means to clamp and insure alignment. Let set for 10 minutes.

Remove all bolts and you are off to the races.

Wash and degrease the surrounding area with acetone.

Apply a generous amount of 4200 to the pedestal base and place into position. Apply Lock Tite to all SS bolts. Fingre tighten everything first before snuging/torquing the base down.

Once bitten, twice shy

[This message was edited by Garett on 07-09-03 at 01:44 PM.]

[inkahootz]

Garret, very good instructions. Last time I tried to give a detailed description of a similar procedure it was not understandable.
After rereading my post however I realized it was probably oversimplified.
I installed a T-Top using a very similar method as yours only I used aluminium instead of ss. Much easier to drill and tap.
My method above I have used in other applications but you have to epoxy the nylock nuts and backer plates in place under the deck with quick set epoxy. Advantage only if you don't have a tap set.

[Garett]

inkahootz, The only reason I suggested SS plates is because I figured SS bolts were going to be used; less problems down the road. But you are right about the drilling and tapping though. OK I understand now; you used the aluminum plate as nothing but a oversized washer.

Once bitten, twice shy