Mounting New Helm Chair

rnbenton

rnbenton

Active member
Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2009
RO Number
31163
Messages
2,834
My 28 Voyager still has the bench helm seat with the flip flop back on the bridge that I HATE! So, I bought a really nice ladder back helm chair and slider pedestal. Now I want to mount it. My question is, do I need to drill all the way through the floor (salon ceiling) and use through bolts with nuts and washers or will large wood screws hold it securely enough? I am a fairly large guy, 240 lbs, and I'm worried that in pitchy seas I will put enough side pressure on the pedestal to pull it loose if I only use wood screws or bolts. Anyone have experience/advice to give?
 
I installed overhead fishing rod holders in the ceiling in the cabin. I was surprised to find an inch or so between the liner and the bottom of the top deck. I would be very interested to see what lies beneath. Through bolting would not be wise because you will not have anywhere to bold to and you will likely have moisture issues. I noticed that the liner leaked from the mounting hole I drilled closest to the windows when I got caught in the rain without the canvas up. There are drainage channels to pull the moisture away. A but of sealant and all is well now.

I am half tempted to remove the liner under the helm in the foot rest area to see what lurks below.

Hope that helps!
 
I would use "nutserts" or something similar so you don't have to go all the way through both pieces of material, thus eliminating a possible leak. If you go through both, with that inch in there, your seat won't be as secure as if you use the inserts.
 
Depending on the age of your boat you will probably find either ply wood or balsa wood as a core.

quote:
Originally posted by ChefJunk

I installed overhead fishing rod holders in the ceiling in the cabin. I was surprised to find an inch or so between the liner and the bottom of the top deck. I would be very interested to see what lies beneath. Through bolting would not be wise because you will not have anywhere to bold to and you will likely have moisture issues. I noticed that the liner leaked from the mounting hole I drilled closest to the windows when I got caught in the rain without the canvas up. There are drainage channels to pull the moisture away. A but of sealant and all is well now.

I am half tempted to remove the liner under the helm in the foot rest area to see what lurks below.

Hope that helps!

Click to expand...
 
No core material? Man if mine is hollow, which I don't think it is, I would have to through bolt my chair with very large washers or back plate on the underside. No way screws or attachments will hold it. I better research some more. Thanks.

quote:
Originally posted by ChefJunk

Where I drilled, it was a hollow chamber.

Click to expand...
 
As a follow up, I went to a boat yard here in St. Augustine that builds boats for Luhrs. The owner told me to use 1-1/2" #12 SS screws. He said that's what he actually uses on new Luhrs off-shore boats he currently builds. So, I gave it a try and it "seems" very secure. But, next time I'm in 3'-5' seas we'll see how it holds.

But, thanks to everyone for your advice and counsil.

quote:
Originally posted by rnbenton

Click to expand...
 
Ram,

What are nutserts? Is that what Carver uses as OEM? I am getting ready to chnage my helm seats and hope I dont have to, but may have chnage the mounts.

Thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top