John H wrote:
On Tue, 6 Jan 2009 17:47:44 -0800, "Calif Bill"
wrote:

"John H" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 6 Jan 2009 19:35:06 -0500, "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
Thanki. If I can't get to the brackets once I remove the rod holders, I
may
have to consider something like that. Wouldn't be hard to do.
There are also blind screws. toggles.


You know, I've used them in sheet rock for ages, and the thought hit me.
But, as no one had mentioned it I disregarded the idea.

Have you used them in fiberglass?

The hole would have to be rather large - weakening the fiberglass even more.