Cooler Seat mounting on 225 Explorer?

[Beaver State Rich]

Howdy folks!  Finally getting around to making some modifications to my (new to me) 2002 225 Explorer.  We got a great deal on a cooler seat that I want to mount for extra seating.  It appears the manufacturer recommends using #10 SS screws.  However, this seems really weak for something that would have so much stress on it.  Or, is this "OK" for the application?  Other option is a SS toggle but that's a lot of 1/2" holes to put into the deck.  Any other suggestions or work arounds would be welcome!  I can fabricate a bit so an out of the box solution is OK.

Tight lines.

[fitz73222]

Use Wellnuts instead of tapping screws, look it up...

[CTsalt12]

Just make sure you don’t screw all the way through the deck.  Fitz’a option seems great.  Or you could use the widest screws the mount will allow-would not use toggle bolts.  5200 works well for this application.  I mounted my leaning post with it last spring and unfortunately needed to remove it this year.  Tough for sure, but it can be removed contrary to what some say. 

There is also the option of over drilling and filling with epoxy, then drilling a smaller hole within the epoxy ‘plug’ you’ve created.

[wesman68]

You could tap threads in the epoxy also and use machine screws.  Just do not overtighten.

[dakota]

  just my thoughts, had installed a cooler seat& cushion on a boston whaler. put st.st.marine "loop" on a small(1"x3"x1") piece of teak attached w/#8 st.st. screws(2) to floor, then used large heavy duty rubber bungee to cooler handle on each side. never moved w/someone sitting on cooler underway! could remove cooler easy.can go w/o teak piece & leave a loop only in floor. thats what I plan to do on my 222 Asport when floor is done. cooler is 40"lg.x 20"w.... worked for us!  dakota

[CTsalt12]

Use Wellnuts instead of tapping screws, look it up...

Wow, I’m going to I start using wellnuts on any deck areas  where I have access to both sides !  Good call.