2000 190 prostar tower stregthing

[apexer]

any suggestions on stregthing where the tower goes through the fiberglass,on the top deck and sides.thanks

[Starshack]

I would suggest a backing plate of 3/4" marine plywood as big as the underside of the deck will allow - this will spread the load out - use large fender washers on the inside. If you want to really do it right glass in (epoxy and fiberglass) the backing plates. On any quality production boat any external attachment (cleat etc.) should be fastened in this manner - if not they can tear out the thin fiberglass. Fortunately MC's glass is pretty tough to start with unlikely a Bayliner.

[coz]

Originally Posted by Starshack

I would suggest a backing plate of 3/4" marine plywood as big as the underside of the deck will allow - this will spread the load out - use large fender washers on the inside. If you want to really do it right glass in (epoxy and fiberglass) the backing plates. On any quality production boat any external attachment (cleat etc.) should be fastened in this manner - if not they can tear out the thin fiberglass. Fortunately MC's glass is pretty tough to start with unlikely a Bayliner.

Since resin and fiberglass cloth doesn't bond to wood (it just makes a shell around it) I cut 6 pieces of cloth about 5 inches bigger than the backing plate all the way around and with a paint brush I laminated each piece in place then I used a wood backer (bigger than the plate) before the tower backing plates went on, it gave me a over a 1/2 inch of build up...also use resin, same stuff the boat's made of...not epoxy.

[CantRepeat]

My ND tower came with a can of kitty hair and 4x6x1/8 aluminum plates. After drilling the holes for the tower, the instructions were to build the kitty hair up in the install area to 1/2 thick and then mush the plates into it. Let it set up and then drill the kitty hair and plates out.

Not sure how that will translate to your install, but there you have it.

[Starshack]

All good suggestions. I have expoxied the wood backing in place and then the fiberglass and resin will adhere - West System is best in all regards. I like the aluminum plate method. I would assume most quality towers come with the backing plates for mounting. Anything will be superior to just thru bolting the fiberglass.

[coz]

Originally Posted by Starshack

All good suggestions. I have expoxied the wood backing in place and then the fiberglass and resin will adhere - West System is best in all regards. I like the aluminum plate method. I would assume most quality towers come with the backing plates for mounting. Anything will be superior to just thru bolting the fiberglass.

The problem with wood under glass is the fact that if there's any water intrusion through the holes form washing, boards driping, wakes ect, the wood will swell and contract and I assure you it will crack the glass. I'm guessing this is why MC and others got rid of wood stringers long ago.