I want to add a samson post to my fiberglass boat that has imbedded
internal ballast.

I've read of installations in wooden boats involving attachment to the keel
and bulkheads and would appreciate suggestions as to the best way to
produce a really stout installation, with optimal location, in my type boat.
BTW, 10 tons.

Also, what size post would you recommend ? I see the chromed bronze
ones are quite expensive and was wondering about less expensive
alternatives ?

I know that large 'serious' backing plates are always suggested but simply
attaching this bit to the deck is not what I'm lookin' for.

Thank you,
Courtney

It seems odd to me that a Sampson Post or Mooring Bitt could be
attached to the keel in any way, in that the keel is always
considerably aft of the bow, where these mooring 'posts' are located.
More likely that the SP (generally two, parallel wooden posts
separated by (say) 6" - 8" and typically found on a cutter rig with the
bowsprit member between them) would attach to a forward bulkhead, with
the length of the SP terminating at the stem. This will mean cutting
two holes in your deck (for the SP's to pass through, and assumes you
have a substantial bulkhead in an appropriate forward location).

Why not use a Bollard, with a substantial mounting plate *underneath*
your existing deck. In this way, you only need to drill 4 mounting
holes?

For Bollard example, see: http://www.vetus.com/

MW
Los Angeles