Filling Holes in the boat

[Sean]

I think I will be cutting a few 6" holes in the deck this afternoon so I can mount the T-top and through bolt it down to the hull. (I was just going to use sheet metal screws/5200 but the glass is slitely pulling from the plywood so I am not confident in it holding:head:)

When glassing back over the holes what is the best method to support the floor? The holes will be located under the gass tank and next to the console so there wont be to much if any traffic/direct preassure on them
Do I just keep layering glass and hope for the best?
should I screw wood under the deck and glass over it?
Sorry no pics, I got a call from a buddy that is going to help me do it today, so it is kind of last minute.
You know the schmeel, any help/suggestions is always apreciated:beer:.

[macojoe]

Well you can go 3 ways
1. the way you are going

2. Make a 6" hole and put deck plates, this way you can adjust them or what ever if there is a problem.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/7094/377%20710/0/deck%20plate/Primary%20Search/mode%20matchallpartial/0/0?N=377%20710&Ne=0&Ntt=deck%20plate&Ntk=Primary%20Search&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Nao=0&Ns=0&keyword=deck%20plate&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=5000&subdeptNum=24&classNum=12946

3. Use seat mounting kits were they have a SS toggle bolt, you drill hole stuff the T in the hole and pull up, insert bolt, they hold seats in place for years!
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/142665/377%20710%201306/0/Seat%20Hardware/Primary%20Search/mode%20matchallpartial/40/0?N=377%20710%201306&Ne=0&Ntt=Seat%20Hardware&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&page=CategoryDisplayLevel1&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=18&subdeptNum=37&classNum=563

I think you are using the hardest way of all! I like option 2 the best, but that does leave a cover on the deck all the time.

In order I would use options 2, 3, and 1 last.

Good Luck!

[Sean]

2 does seem the easiest, but I hear nightmares of the hatches leaking and well you know the rest.. I'll just 5200 the:butt:out of it and keep a eye on it..

[jjjtronics]

Like Macojoe said, DECK PLATES !!!
If you already cut a hole to get access, then leave that access open forever with a plate, it just makes sense. I have friends who really love keeping things original, and they really complicate their lives by trying, but I don`t, I make my life easier every chance I get.
A well installed deck plate will not leak a drop either.

[Sean]

Thanks for the confidents boost JJJ, I just got back from picking up the deck plates from Westmarine.... Hopefully I will have good news tonight...
Please find dry wood under the deck:zip:

[jjjtronics]

You may need to add some wood or starboard under the deck for the screws to have a strong bite. Perhaps you are lucky and don`t need to.
5200, and properly installed screws to the f-glass would do anyways if carefully mounted.
jjj

[THEFERMANATOR]

OPTION #2. Deck plates definately are the only way to go. If you put it up there, you never know when you may want to take it down. Or to just tighten the hardware after it settles into place.

[Blue_Runner]

2 does seem the easiest, but I hear nightmares of the hatches leaking and well you know the rest.. I'll just 5200 the:butt:out of it and keep a eye on it..

When I bought my V21 the previous owner had replaced the deck plates. He didn't use any screws at all. He epoxied them in, which makes a great leak free seal. Now if they ever need to be replaced agian I'm probably screwed, but I don't have to worry about them rotting my deck.

[whale]

Thanks for the confidents boost JJJ, I just got back from picking up the deck plates from Westmarine.... Hopefully I will have good news tonight...
Please find dry wood under the deck:zip:

Hey Sean....speaking of West did you know they will match prices from Defender marine? I brought the catalog in and the $22.99 bus bars at West I paid $11.99 for with Defender match. I keep a copy in my truck. West is 2 miles from me so it is so convenient....with the Defender price match it is convenient and cheaper!

[Sean]

Hey Sean....speaking of West did you know they will match prices from Defender marine? I brought the catalog in and the $22.99 bus bars at West I paid $11.99 for with Defender match. I keep a copy in my truck. West is 2 miles from me so it is so convenient....with the Defender price match it is convenient and cheaper!
Thanks Whale! I live under 1 mile from West, sorta of like a Alcholic living above a Bar.. I am going to order a Catolog now.