BigBendFishing.Net

I had a local machine shop build an aluminum poling platform and I'm looking for advice on how to anchor the legs to an aluminum boat.

The rear legs are no trouble since I can use stainless bolts through the leg plates and through the stern of the boat. However, the front legs of the platform need to be anchored to the rear deck of the boat. The rear deck lid raises to provide access to the gas tank and batteries and I want to anchor the front legs to the space on either side of the deck lid. This space is inaccessible and foam filled.

Anybody have any suggestions on what kind of anchor/fastener I should use to anchor the front leg plates to the rear deck.

There's no way to access the rear compartment?

If you can get in there or you should get in there and place a backer block (starboard or metal), then fasten the platform to the backer blocks...use some 5200 to seal everthing up and keep it from leaking into the seat area.

You really need a backer in there, I wouldn't trust just screwing it down, but it might work with out....

A picture would be nice....

Sorry, can't provide a photo.

The rear deck has a lid in front of the motor for the gas tank, etc. This lid covers most of the rear deck, but there is 8"'s or so on either side of this lid where I need to attach the foot plate from the legs of the platform. This area on either side of the rear deck lid, while part of the rear deck is not accesible from underneath. It is completely welded and foam filled.

I'm thinking of attaching the front foot plates to a larger plate and securing the larger plate to the rear deck.

That should do you...

I would suggest welding a piece of 1/4" plate alimonum to the top of the deck. Drill and tap it to accept bolts.

I appreciate the advice fellas, I got her nailed down last night and it seems like it will work. Either one of you want to pole me around your favorite fshing hole.