Adding Hardware to Cabin Top...

[rpell1@msn.com]

16h ·

Hi all,
Sorry if I duplicated this post. Had a little "enter" glitch.
I’m planning on adding an additional double rope cutch next to the existing one on the starboard side of the cabin top. I have a’97 MKIII, so there’s a raised little platform for this kind of hardware. I am attaching a photo.
What I need to know is how to attach to this platform? Are the current nuts glassed in? Can I try a threaded insert? Should I just drill thru, into the cabin top and use long machine screws with lock nuts and caps? does anyone have the experience with this configuration?

 

[jssailem]

Does the existing clutch have bolts and nuts through to the cabin top? If not there may be an aluminum plate in the fiberglass that you can drill and tap a screw into.

I would consider taking the current stuff off and replacing with a "gang of clutches". They are more compact than 2 individual ones. Here are a couple examples.

 

[Ward H]

The plate between the clutches and cabin top raised mount appears to be an add on, possibly to raise the clutches to give a better entry into the winch or to cover old holes after they rearranged things.
In any case on my 93 there is a imbedded aluminum plate in that raised platform on both sides of the cabin top. I took off the existing double clutch and clam cleat and installed a triple, didn't like it so put a new double on and a Spinlock XPR cleat for the main.
Holes that I did not reuse I filled with thickened epoxy topped with white Marine Tex. Then drilled and tapped for the new stuff I was adding. That was on starboard side, I put a triple on the port side.
I saw someone on FB mentioned it was a bronze plate but not on my 93. Either way it is an easy job if your use to drilling and tapping.
Pull one of the existing bolts out so see the size but pretty sure mine were 1/4-20. I don't remember the length.

 

[dmax]

That looks like a Garhauer rope clutch on the left - you can buy another one from Garhauer and gang them together, that's what they do to assemble multiple clutches. Just ask them for longer bolts: Rope Clutch 11-11B | Garhauer

 

[rpell1@msn.com]

Thank you both for your experience. I “inherited” the used double and single at the best possible price. I’m trying to be frugal , (CHEAP). Drilling, tapping and glasswork are no problem for me. Glad to hear that I have a plate to work with.
Thanks again.