Leaning Post Installation

[CTsalt12]

Hi All,

I am replacing the standard cooler seat on my 175 with a leaning post.  Reason being, higher place to sit and lean on (can barely see above console while sitting on cooler seat), and the cooler seat / livewell kind of takes up a lot of space, I'd like to hear your opinions on the best way to fasten this to the deck. 

Leaning post I've got eyes on: https://strykerttops.com/catalog/product/accessories/swing-back-leaning-post/

As far as I know there's a few methods.

1. Thru bolt.  Which requires drilling new access plates (assuming the frame of leaning post is outside fuel coffin width. 
2. 4200/5200 the screw holes and call it a day. 
3. Epoxy method.  Overdrill screw hole.  Fill with epoxy.  Drill screw hole within epoxy 'plug.'  This is how I re-installed my cooler seat as the PO had a real shoddy installation with water getting into deck core.

Thoughts?  This leaning post will be subject to a good amount of stress as it's one of the few things (along with console) to hold onto in rough seas.

Merry Xmas fellow AS owners!

[Woodeneye]

#3 has method has been rock solid for me. Best practice to put micro fibres in the epoxy and glass back over. I tapped threads for the bolts  and sealed with 5200.

[McAllgeyver]

Woodeneye is right about number three. However if the deck your installing it on is cored with wood and it’s in good shape(not wet or soft), option #2 will be fine, as there are 12 screws and 5200 holding it down!  Call it a day and keep going.  Nice leaning post btw

[RickK]

When I installed my seat I over drilled and filled with thickened resin and then drilled and inserted these
https://www.zoro.com/e-z-lok-thread-insert-ss-10-24x1332-l-pk5-303-3/i/G1292785/feature-product?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwtbEo7Tb5gIVc4NaBR26cgnqEAQYAiABEgL22vD_BwE

[CTsalt12]

Interesting idea Rick.

Is the insert so you can take the seat off and on without damaging the threads in the hardened epoxy?  Or do you find it has a better grip than the screw threads? 

[RickK]

Gives you a better attachment point.

[GoneFission]

if you go the glue and screw route - be sure the screws are not too long!  I saw a guy put screws into his gas tank putting a leaning post in...   

[GoneFission]

Also - will a typical cooler fit between the tubes on that leaning post?  I think you would want that...   

[Woodeneye]

When I installed my seat I over drilled and filled with thickened resin and then drilled and inserted these
https://www.zoro.com/e-z-lok-thread-insert-ss-10-24x1332-l-pk5-303-3/i/G1292785/feature-product?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwtbEo7Tb5gIVc4NaBR26cgnqEAQYAiABEgL22vD_BwE

Damn fine idea^

[boatnamesue]

Highly unlikely the leaning post flanges will be inside the width of the 2 stringers, which means you won’t have access to use thru bolts.  Though thru bolts is always choice for permanence, it’s not a necessity here...like the need to secure a tower, for example. 

Get an accurate measurement of the deck depth and subtract 1/4”.  That’s your screw length.  Get the widest screws the flanges will allow for the greatest screw/wood purchase (aka grip).  Under drill deck holes.  Dip screw threads in 5200.  Drill gun halfway at most. Screw in by hand to finish.  Don’t fill the pre drilled holes w/5200...screw will push out excess which will cause the underside of flange to bond w/deck.

[CTsalt12]

Also - will a typical cooler fit between the tubes on that leaning post?  I think you would want that...   

It's not clear in the picture but the tubes are removable, so I'd remove one and add a strap, stick an igloo cooler in there. 

[CTsalt12]

Highly unlikely the leaning post flanges will be inside the width of the 2 stringers, which means you won’t have access to use thru bolts.  Though thru bolts is always choice for permanence, it’s not a necessity here...like the need to secure a tower, for example. 

Get an accurate measurement of the deck depth and subtract 1/4”.  That’s your screw length.  Get the widest screws the flanges will allow for the greatest screw/wood purchase (aka grip).  Under drill deck holes.  Dip screw threads in 5200.  Drill gun halfway at most. Screw in by hand to finish.  Don’t fill the pre drilled holes w/5200...screw will push out excess which will cause the underside of flange to bond w/deck.

Good point re: stringers and space for thru bolting.  Should I go screw and glue route, I will use this method. Right now I'm in a tricky spot with a lot of my boat work relying on temperatures above 50 degrees.  Heat lamp helps though.  I'll post pictures of the finished product which likely won't be for awhile.

[CTsalt12]

Argh.  Leaning post mount are going to be very very close to the fuel tank coffin to deck seam.  Makes it tricky.  May not be able to mount dead center.  Landed on a Dolphin brand leaning post with backrest and rod holders

[BradC]

Argh.  Leaning post mount are going to be very very close to the fuel tank coffin to deck seam.  Makes it tricky.  DMay not be able to mount dead center.  Landed on a Dolphin brand leaning post with backrest and rod holders

Got the same one by the sounds of it ($499 ?) ... I'm planning to cut 6-8" out of the middle of it and the console to make it easier to move around the deck ... looking for a local Motorbike customizing place to to do the Alu welding but this Corona thing is complicating things 

[CTsalt12]

Brad that is the same one indeed.  How does the quality feel in person?

Also, Could you do me a HUGE favor and send me somewhat precise measurements of the hole mounts for the leaning post?  Like distance from the hole at the top of the triangular shaped mount, to the one on the opposite side?  And possible the width of the holes on the 'legs' of the triangular shaped mount if possible?

I'd advise against cutting leaning post and console.  That leaning post is on the more narrow side of ones I've found (28.5 I think?)  If you need to go smaller, they're out there on the market. 

re: console, I'm trying to find ways to make mine easier to walk around too.  I figured out the grab rails add a lot of width.  They protrude far outside of the console footprint.  I'm going to have some welding buddies change the angle to be closer to the console, if that makes any sense at all.