Adding pad eyes to the deck.

[Mike H.]

We have a 94 Vision 36 and I want to add a boom brake.

I need to install a port and starboard attachment points for the rigging on the deck, about in line with the mast. The headliner is fiberglass. There is a space between the headliner and the deck with minimum access points to the space between. The toe rail is all fiberglass. I don't have the convenient metal rail with the holes for blocks.

Would screws hold enough? I think it should be through bolted with backing plates.

Any advice?

 

[Guillaume C.]

Drill the deck (but not the headliner) using oversize drill bit. Pour slightly thickened epoxy from outside to fill the space between deck & headliner and fill the oversized hole. Re-drill in the epoxy using the correct size drill. To make it look nicer, cut the bolt inside so you can use a rounded-top nut

 

[justsomeguy]

Try to use bolts and a backing plate, please.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Mike, Maine Sail has a great website with all sorts of details you'll need to do this right. http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/boat_projects Find the bedding hardware in the deck and the butyl tape articles.

If your headliner has a gap between that the exterior deck, then you'll have to find a way to open up the inner shell so that you don't depend on the headliner for the backing plate, but use the actual deck. Then you'll have to figure out how to "restore" the headliner. Might need to get "creative."

Good luck.

 

[Steve Dion]

Mike: Sorry I did not get back to you. We are dealing with some other issues. There are access panels that will allow you to put machine screws and washer/nuts through the deck. If you want you can stop by the marina and take a look. I will try to get a photo for you this weekend. (if I can remember)

 

[Mike H.]

Mike: Sorry I did not get back to you. We are dealing with some other issues. There are access panels that will allow you to put machine screws and washer/nuts through the deck. If you want you can stop by the marina and take a look. I will try to get a photo for you this weekend. (if I can remember)

Thanks Steve:

I think I know what your talking about. I can access the electrical cover plates in the ceiling that are about amidships from the mast and install the pad eyes in those locations.

Are large washers enough for backing plates?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Steve Dion]

I used some alum. backing plates.

 

[Kestle]

Make sure you use anti-corrosion gel between a stainless bolt and an aluminum backing plate.

Jeff