Clock and barometer installation advice

[nitrogenase]

Picked up a matching vintage brass Schatz clock/barometer set - they're mint and beautiful. Each has 4 holes around the outside. I'm struggling to decide how to install on our Beneteau bulkhead. One option is to obtain screws to attach directly, but that then leaves 8 holes to fill one day if we sell the boat and want to keep them. The other option is to find or build a wood frame to hold them that has two (?) screw holes at the top and bottom to attach to the bulkhead. Any recommendations for the best way to install these?

 

[JoeWhite]

Mount it on stained and varnished 1/2" marine plywood with 2 holes one on top and one on bottom. Number 6 screws should be good enough to carry the weight. On the back of the plywood stick 4 felth feet to keep the plywood away from the bulkhead.

 

[markwbird]

Mount it to the bulkhead and be happy. The boat is gonna get old no matter what.

 

[jssailem]

I would suggest mounting it on a solid piece of board that when stained and finished compliment the bulkhead behind.

I have a clock set from the 60's that was given to my father when he was the Supply Office aboard the USS Enterprise. It appears they acquired it from an artisan in one of their ports. The Clock and Barometer are set on the sides with the emblem of the ship carved in the center. It is an heirloom I treasure. And though it will soon be mounted and enjoyed on the bulkhead of my boat, I will be removing it should I sell the boat.

2 screw holes not 8.

 

[Mark Maulden]

I would not use plywood. You can see the ply layers on the sides. Use a piece of solid wood and route a decorative perimeter. what is the bulkhead made of?

 

[Apex]

mount directly, if you sell the boat later on 8 holes will not hurt the sale. Or mount 2 or 3 per piece to cut down. Mounted to a board always looks like extra clutter

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

I doubt anyone ever at any time based a purchase decision on a few bulkhead mounting holes.

 

[LloydB]

Make your addition part of the boat in the perfect placement for it. If it is framed attachment that can be easily removed it cannot be used as a bargaining chip or a required keepsake should you later desire.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

And though I will soon be mounted and enjoyed on the bulkhead of my boat,

OMG will this be after you've passed ? Certainly not right now I hope. Will you be stuffed by a good taxidermist and then mounted. If you could have one of your next of kin post a picture of you mounted on the wall after it's completed, I know that everyone here on the site would be most impressed .

 

[kloudie1]

I vote for using the smallest screws you can get away with and if you do remove them to sell, there are wax sticks that will virtually hide the evidence if the holes are drilled very carefully.. Tougher to deal with is the circle on the wood bulkhead that results from being covered by the clock base.

 

[nitrogenase]

So much good advice - thanks everyone! I've gone with 1/2" cherry mount so only 2 screws required. The cherry is lighter than the bulkhead veneer, so I think it contrasts/compliments well.

 

[Hello Below]

Picked up a matching vintage brass Schatz clock/barometer set - they're mint and beautiful. Each has 4 holes around the outside. I'm struggling to decide how to install on our Beneteau bulkhead. One option is to obtain screws to attach directly, but that then leaves 8 holes to fill one day if we sell the boat and want to keep them. The other option is to find or build a wood frame to hold them that has two (?) screw holes at the top and bottom to attach to the bulkhead. Any recommendations for the best way to install these?

I have 3 individual Weems Plath products, each with 6” diameter, each weighing 1.3 lbs. Each are mounted without screws and have not budged for over 10 years. I use 3m command products.
Choose the appropriate product and follow the instructions. Along with the 3 WP instruments, I have also mounted pictures, native art work, a paper towel holder, our ICOM RAM mic holder outside on the Binnacle and shower curtains in the head without failure. Here is an example but there are many others products to choose from:

Command 3M Picture Frame Hanger Strips Review

No unnecessary stinkin’ holes in my walls.

 

[senang]

Mount on a piece of wood of your choice. Attach to the bulkhead with 3M Strong Dual Lock reclosable fastener. No screws, will hold in storms. Only trace left when removed will be from the sunlight not getting behind your piece of wood.

 

[Dalliance]

Mine are mounted on a piece of solid mahogany with a single angled hole in the back at the top. It hangs on a single concealed nail in the bulkhead and a pair of peel & stick Velcro tabs at the bottom keep it from swinging.
Use a hole saw to provide easy access to the back of the clock & barometer for adjustment and battery changes rather than having to take them off your back panel.