about to drill a hole in the deck...

[alexis]

Greetings to all,

I recently acquired a beautiful new 2310 WA (pics to follow as soon as I get rid off the shrink wrap) and am planning to do some modifications to rig the boat for my needs (SCUBA diving in addition to fishing). One of the projects involves drilling a 4" hole thru the deck to install a flush mounted pedestal base. My questions are:
1) What is the best way to seal the edges and pilot holes to preserve watertight integrity of the deck? I was planning to apply epoxy to the edges and then a sealant like 5200 during installation.
2) Will my hull waranty be affected in any way? (I sent this question to Parker and have not heard back from them yet).

Any advise or comment is greatly appreciated.

 

[Megabyte]

Welcome aboard alexis!

Your question about sealing the deck against water intrusion is asked frequently, but the short answer is to seal any opening with West Systems (or equiv) epoxy when making any openings into the deck. A search of the Projects area should give you more details on this modification than you could possibly read in a single night.

One caution though... If you ever want to remove that seat base sometime in the future, don't use 3M 5200. 5200 contains a powerful adhesive that makes anything mounted with it PERMANENT.
If you ever think you might want to remove an item mounted on your boat, use 101, 4000, or 4200 instead.

Congratulations on the 2310 and post photos once she is unwrapped! 8)

 

[alexis]

Thanks a lot for the info.

 

[ppem45]

Hello Alexis, I just finished the project you are asking about. I cut the 4" hole and then sealed it well with an epoxy (twice) and let it set up so as not to ruin the seal I did all the bolt holes as well. I purchased 6 SS Toggle bolts (West Marine has them) and drilled the holes per their directions. What you have to do is drill a 1/2" hole so the toggle fits in there and then you use 1/4 -20 bolts. The toggles are an ingenious design as you will see when you are working with them. After I installed the toggles I put a good amout of 3M 4200 around and in the toggle so as to keep any water out after putting the bolts in. I also ran a good bead of 4200 just inside where the base is going to sit (the best way is to partially mount the base and draw a faint line around the base so you can see where to put the 4200) and then bolted it down. I chose the removable type of pedestal so if I want to get it out of the way I have that option. I will post a couple of pics for you as well. The Parker seat in the pics has been replaced with a fold down type. Hope this helps you

 

[grouperjim]

i bought my pedestal and base at WM. the seat was the original helm seat. no big hole required........just drilled the hole pattern, countersunk the holes, a squirt of 5200 in the holes and done.

some guys bigger than me have sat in it in some pretty rough stuff. still good to go.

good luck.

 

[ppem45]

I had to drill the hole for the removable EZ-Swivel base. I probably could have reached the holes to put the nuts on but it would have required large washers and I found it easier to just install the toggles. "Dealers Choice" Someone said to use screws, I would never use screws for this as if they let go, well you know what I mean. OUCH!

 

[Porkchunker]

Before you drill the hole, I'd check with Parker Marine for the layout of the tank and bulkheads below the deck. You wouldn't want to puncture the tank, or a fill/vent line.

Dave

aka

 

[alexis]

Guys, thanks a lot for your advises, extremely helpful!
Should I put some fiberglass cloth/tape on the inside edge of the hole? Will just wetting it with epoxy provide enough waterseal in the long run? Is there plywood in the deck?
This is my third boat but a first NEW boat (and a first Parker) so I am somewhat nervous about cutting large holes.

 

[grouperjim]

Before you drill the hole, I'd check with Parker Marine for the layout of the tank and bulkheads below the deck. You wouldn't want to puncture the tank, or a fill/vent line.

Dave

aka

remove the forward pie plate. this will allow you to visualize the fuel tank and area where you want to drill.

Yep.......bolts are ALWAYS stronger than screws. but so far, the screws have been good enough. 8) plus, my arms weren't long enough to put a washer/nut on.