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| I am wondering what size screws I would use for mounting a 3" ram mount to the dash and front of my Tuffy. Are there any useful tips or tricks people have learned over the years |
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Posts: 432
Location: Eagan, MN | I just mounted ram rod holders on my ranger:
size 12 stainless screws of suitable length
3/8 inch drill bit
1) Put masking tape over the area, it stops the fiberglass from chipping and gives you a surface that's easy to mark the drill holes on.
2) Start drilling w/ your drill in REVERSE, much easier to get the hole started and stops your drill from slip sliding around
3) Use a counter sink bit to expand the opening of the hole to a little bit larger than the diameter of the screw threads, stops chipping and gel coat cracking.
4) Sink the screws, moderate speed seems best.
If you need to use smaller diameter screws let me know, I have the correct bit sizes for 6, 8 and 10 written down at home. |
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Posts: 572
| good advice from cast10k. You probably want to fill in the holes with some silicone before inserting screws.
I'm getting ready to mount Scotty rod holders to my old boat. On the driver's side, next to the console, there is only fibergalss to mount to. On the opposite side there is foam under the fiberglass. I'm going to use 1/4 stainless bolts, lock nuts, and washers on the driver's side and use size 12 stainless screws on the opposite side.
Anyway, you probably need to check to see what's under the fiberglass where you plan to mount the rod holders. You don't want to be drilling into electric wires, etc. Don't foprget to use the silicone.
Edited by Muskie Bob 5/25/2010 9:42 PM
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| whenever/wherever possible i use bolts instead of screws when mounting anything on my boat.
drill a proper sized hole all the way through and use large washers with lock nuts on the back side. this will secure your mount in place much more securely than screws into the fiberglass.
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Posts: 432
Location: Eagan, MN | Screws weren't an option for my application because the other side of the fiberglass was filled with foam. They feel rock solid though, so don't worry if they're your only choice. I noticed ranger used screws in places where they could have used bolts. |
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