Eisboch wrote:

"John H" wrote in message
...


I don't leave the bimini up if I'm going more than 'no wake' speed. But,
often the boat rocks at anchor or even when going slow, if the wind is
strong enough.

You've talked me out of the 'ball and socket' arrangement I was thinking
of. I'll try through bolting after getting the rod holders out. If that
doesn't work, bungee cords will have to do.

If you want to mount something that will be strong on a boat, there's no
good substitute for through bolts and backing plates to distribute the
stresses. Often, like in your situation, there is no access to the
underside of the surface you want to mount something. One option, (and
I am not encouraging you to do this for a bimini ... it's just something
to keep in mind) is to install an access or "deck" plate in a vertical
surface near the place that you need to get behind for the addition of a
backing plate and the bolts/nuts. Access or deck plates are available
at marine stores like West Marine and come in several sizes. It's
similar to installing a speaker. You use a large hole saw or a jig saw
to cut out the proper sized hole for the access plate, then install the
flange. The removable plate screws into the flange. When you need to
get behind a surface within arm's reach, you simply unscrew and remove
the access plate, install your device's backing plate and through bolts,
then put the access plate back in place.

They look like this:

http://images.westmarine.com/full/4581658.jpg

Eisboch

Agreed. If you ever have to drill a hole that big, invest in a RotoZip
(or Dremel) with the adjustable hole cutting attachment. It's easy and
the hole is very clean. I used my RotoZip for the speakers in my CC.

BTW- cover the "foot" of the tool with masking tape to avoid any marks.