Mounting Flange

[D Bell]

I am considering mounting a flange for the old Magma Round Grill to the gunnel of my 2000 SeaRay 340. Forward of the gas filler, but short of the side step. Right on the back starboard corner. It looks very much like a flagpole mount but with a 3/8-1/2 inch hole to receive the mounting bar. The flange comes with thru hull screws and bolts. Problem - I can't get my hand up to the underside to secure the bolts. Question - Would a wood/sheet metal screws backed with epoxy be sufficient?

My mind tells me to find another way, but I have used epoxy to fill canvas snaps that have pulled out and its worked well.

 

[Stee6043]

In the interest of keeping things "marine" I'd highly recommend you install a proper rod holder. Then use this guy for your magma:

 

[D Bell]

It is a Magma Flush Deck Mounting Socket. I don’t have any rod holders on the gunnel.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[D Bell]

 

[Stee6043]

I gotcha. I just think a rod holder is a bit more versatile. Perhaps someday you'll want a sun shade? Or fish.

To you original question, I wouldn't think you'd need a backer plate. Perhaps check youtube for a video on installing a rod holder or flag pole mount. I would expect the process to be the same.

 

[lawndoctor]

In situations like this I use stainless threaded inserts. I drill and tap the fiberglass for the threaded insert, then epoxy the threaded insert in place. I've done this for antenna mounts, flag holders, and seat hinges. So far I've not had any problems with the strength of the hold, or any spider cracking around it.

 

[Lazy Daze]

All you need is screws. The top of that gunwale is super thick. Chamfer the hole so the threads don't contact the gel.

 

[D Bell]

I gotcha. I just think a rod holder is a bit more versatile. Perhaps someday you'll want a sun shade? Or fish.

To you original question, I wouldn't think you'd need a backer plate. Perhaps check youtube for a video on installing a rod holder or flag pole mount. I would expect the process to be the same.

Thanks. I have something like that but my poles cantilever from rod holders I have attached to the grab bars. 12x12 shade. Yours looks like a better idea…….and I fish!

 

[D Bell]

In situations like this I use stainless threaded inserts. I drill and tap the fiberglass for the threaded insert, then epoxy the threaded insert in place. I've done this for antenna mounts, flag holders, and seat hinges. So far I've not had any problems with the strength of the hold, or any spider cracking around it.

Is it the gel coat that spider cracks? The post below suggest chamfering the hole to pull back the gel coating?

 

[D Bell]

All you need is screws. The top of that gunwale is super thick. Chamfer the hole so the threads don't contact the gel.

No glues of any kind? Silicone?

 

[Golfman25]

No glues of any kind? Silicone?

I would epoxy the holes to seal any exposed wood core.

 

[Lazy Daze]

No glues of any kind? Silicone?

Well, sure, that goes without saying.

 

[lawndoctor]

Is it the gel coat that spider cracks? The post below suggest chamfering the hole to pull back the gel coating?

The gel coat has not spider cracked where I have used this method. I have spider cracks in the gel coat in other areas that originated from sheet metal screws being used.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Is it the gel coat that spider cracks? The post below suggest chamfering the hole to pull back the gel coating?

Correct. It's a "best practice" thing.

 

[D Bell]

Thanks, everyone!