Hole under the seat post?

[shicks007]

I pulled the helm seat post off the deck the other day and to my suprise, there is a 3 inch(or so) hole in the deck under the center. The post doesn't require a hole. I was wondering if Wellcraft might have hidden a "inspection hole" there. There was no sealant around the base at all. It wasn't pretty in there but I poked and proded with a long screwdriver and she seems very solid. Oh yeah 76' cuddy. Do any of yours have the same?

[Stinky_Hooker]

Yes mine does too and it will be covered in by the time this restoration is complete. 8)

[macojoe]

I had the same in my 75. I needed the seat bacf further so I put a deck plate on mine.

[Blue_Runner]

DITTO, my '72 had a hole under the seat post. I covered it with a stainless deckplate...it didn't look like a factory cut??

Ditto all that. din't look 'factory', no sealant, etc. (on a '73)

[chumbucket]

The large hole is supposed to be access for a backing plate (ideally) or through bolts. There's a company that makes Half moon shaped plates with holes that line up with seat post bases. Slip one half in. Bolt it. Then slip the other half in with the use of a finger hole to control the plate while bolting. Much stronger than just screwing to the deck. ;)

Yes the hole is for a deck plate backing...I had the
same on my 80

[Veeder]

So the seat post should just be able to be removed by backing out the screws that go through the circular disk into the deck? I can turn the screws, but they don't come out. My V is an '83. Did they through bolt them any year? Should I just be able to pull the base off once I unscrew it???

Ok... I have a 73 and I have the same thing. What was the final outcome as to a good repair to the floor around the hole? I have about 2 inches of rot. Not ready to tear up the whole floor. I plan on that project next year. I just want somthing for this season?

[macojoe]

Deck plate will hold you till then, they come in all sizes, I used a 4" for mine you may want to round out the hole to take a 6"?? what ever you need, They kind of go in 2" sizes, 2 4 6 8 10 ect.