Bilge area Tie Downs

[TriadSteeler]

Since I am replacing the transom in my 74 Ebbtide Tri-Hull (Floor & Stringers are fine) I also need to replace the aft section of floor in the bilge area.

I am installing new fuel tanks, battery boxes, and a new bilge pump and was wondering if anyone had done something different as far as glassing in tie-down clamps for those, so I don't have to drill thru the new floor and bilge section.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Bilge area Tie Downs

I ran into this when I put new seat bases in my tri-hull. What I ended up doing is cutting 2"x3" square pieces of aluminum plate. Drill a hole through the middle if each plate. Insert a stainless steel toggle bolt through the hole. I then glued my "mounting studs" to the floor using high grade marine epoxy and fiberglass mat. Use epoxy, not polyester resin. Epoxy has a better bond. Clean the areas where you want the studs to go. Then sand the area and clean it again to insure a tight bond. Sand the areas larger than your "stud". (2"x3" plate, sand 4" area or larger) Use good resin and fiberglass mat for strength. The seats have never moved and I did not have to penetrate the floor. I used 8 of these around the perimeter of each base and its really held up well.