Hello,
As we had a ton of snow in NJ, I started my winter project to install a built-in cabinet in the Reversible Pilot Seat (RPS) on my 210 Montauk.
I purchased the cabinet from Boat Outfitters and started cutting the cutout in my RPS...It was a challenge not to cut any reinforcements to fit it but it worked.
Since the cabinet is quite heavy, I decided to use machine fasteners and drilled 10 holes on the RPS to secure the cabinet (Cabinet is pre-drilled).
Now, I realized that I can't tighten the machine fasteners to hold the cabinet to the RPS from top of the RPS, as the space is so tight ( I need to tighten the fasteners from the bottom of the RPS.. However, I can't tighten the fasteners holding the RPS to the deck with the cabinet attached to the RPS...(I can't reach).
I can't use same size screws to secure the cabinet as I already drilled holes for #8 machine fasteners (screws won't bite)...and I'm a bit concerned that screws may come out even if I use larger screws (I prefer machine screws to mount things).
Now, I am thinking about making 4 backing plates (2 horizontal, 2 vertical....made by King Starboard) and attach them (sandwich the fiberglass RPS with the cabinet and the backing plates), so I can use
1. #8 Screws
2. #8 Machine screws with press in threaded inserts
3. #8 Machine screws with T-nuts
Do you have any recommendation as to type of screws/bolts I should use? By the way, the weight of the cabinet is held by the lip of the cut out and a block made by King Starboard attached at the back of the cabinet. The fasteners are to prevent the cabinet from sliding out of RPS.
Thank you!!
Reo