Amanda Knapp
There are several ways to attach seats to a fiberglass boat. One way is to use a nut and bolt or coarse screws. Another method is to use gorilla glue and velcro strips, which can be easily removed for storage. If you want to avoid drilling holes in the deck, you can cut blocks of wood and fiberglass them to the floor, placing the seats on top of the blocks once the glass has cured. To ensure the seats are secure, you can also use through-bolting or toggle bolting with a Fender Washer or backing plate.
Characteristics and Values Table for Attaching Seats to a Fiberglass Boat
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Wood, fiberglass, screws, bolts, washers, adhesive, silicone, Velcro, gorilla glue |
| Techniques | Drilling, screwing, bolting, gluing, fiberglassing |
| Considerations | Safety, stability, weight distribution, access to underside of the deck, fuel tank location, deck rot prevention |
| Challenges | Existing holes, limited space, foam or other materials below the floor, securing seats without drilling holes in the deck |
| Suggestions | Using blocks of wood, toggle bolts, backing plates, inspection ports, Z-brackets, clip fasteners |
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What You'll Learn
Using bolts and screws
When attaching seats to a fibreglass boat, it is important to consider the type of fastener to use. Bolts or machine screws must be used to secure any component that is essential to the boat's function and safety. For attaching seats, you can use bolts, machine screws, or wood screws.
If you are using bolts, you will need nuts and access to both sides of the fastener hole. You can also add a strong backing plate made of aluminium or stainless steel, or heavy fender washers to spread the load. If you are using machine screws, you can thread them into a tapped hole.
If you are using wood screws, note that they are self-tapping and cut threads into the smooth surface of a drilled hole. You will need to drill pilot holes, and there are tables that specify the correct drill size for a particular screw size. However, you must be careful when installing a sheet-metal screw into fibreglass because reinforced laminate will not give like wood. Wood screws are for wood only, never fibreglass.
When installing the seats, first position them where you want them to go and mark the floor from the inside of the seat boxes. Then, cut a block of wood (2"x4" or equivalent) for each corner of the boxes, allowing for a little bit of space between the blocks and the boxes. Fiberglass the blocks to the floor and, when the glass is cured, set the seats over the blocks. You can then screw the boxes to the blocks if you wish, although this may not be necessary if the seats are secure.
Alternatively, you can drill a single hole through one of the base's mounting holes, run a bolt or screw into the hole, and drill a second hole on the opposite side of the base. Drive in another bolt or screw, and with the two screws or bolts on opposite sides of the pedestal securing it in place, you can drill the remaining holes. Then, remove the fasteners, pedestal, and clean off all the shavings and fibreglass dust.
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Drilling holes
Before drilling, it is crucial to determine the location of the fuel tank and any other underlying structures in the boat. This information will help you choose the safest spots to drill. Mark the desired position of the seats and identify any areas that need to be avoided.
When drilling holes in the fiberglass, it is recommended to use a drill bit specifically designed for this purpose. Choose a drill bit that is appropriate for the thickness and material of your boat's surface. Start by creating pilot holes, which are small initial holes that serve as a guide for the final drilling. This ensures accuracy and helps prevent any damage to the fiberglass.
After marking the desired locations, use a power drill to carefully create the pilot holes. Apply gentle pressure and ensure the drill bit is perpendicular to the surface for a clean cut. Once the pilot holes are in place, you can proceed to drill the final holes.
For the final drilling, use a larger drill bit to create holes that accommodate the bolts or screws that will secure the seats. Again, maintain a steady pace and be cautious to avoid any damage to the surrounding fiberglass. Make sure the holes are large enough for the bolts or screws to fit snugly.
It is important to note that some people prefer to avoid drilling holes in the deck of their boats. In such cases, alternative methods like using blocks of wood or toggle bolts can be considered. However, drilling holes and using appropriate bolts or screws is generally considered a secure method for attaching seats to a fiberglass boat.
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$35.49
Using velcro and gorilla glue
Attaching seats to a fiberglass boat using Velcro and Gorilla Glue is a straightforward process. It is a good method if you want to be able to remove the seats during the off-season and store them inside.
First, you will need to purchase 2" wide Velcro strips and a strong adhesive. One option is to use DAP Weldwood Contact Cement, which can be found at most hardware stores. You will also need a small paintbrush or wooden spreading stick to apply the adhesive.
Before attaching the Velcro, ensure the surfaces are clean and prepared. If you are attaching the Velcro to a soft surface, such as foam, you may need to apply the contact cement over the existing adhesive backing on the Velcro to create a stronger bond.
Spread a coat or two of the adhesive to the back of the Velcro strip and the surface of the seat or boat where you want to attach it. Allow the adhesive to sit for 15-20 minutes until it becomes glossy. Then, press the Velcro firmly into place and place a heavy object, such as a cinder block, on top to weigh it down while it cures overnight.
If you are attaching the seats to a fiberglass floor, you may want to consider using blocks of wood to create a secure base for the seats without drilling holes in the deck. Cut a block of wood (2"x4" or equivalent) for each corner of the seat boxes. Allow for a little space between the blocks and the boxes, and then fiberglass the blocks to the floor. When the fiberglass has cured, set the seats over the blocks. You can screw the boxes to the blocks for added security, but it is not necessary.
Using Gorilla Glue and Velcro is a simple and effective way to attach seats to a fiberglass boat, providing a strong and removable solution.
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Toggle bolts
While it is possible to use toggle bolts to attach seats to a fiberglass boat, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, toggle bolts may not provide sufficient strength to withstand the significant stress placed on boat seats. The stress on the seats can cause the toggle bolts to fail, leaving you with large holes to fill. This is especially true if there is foam below the floor, as the toggle may not have enough "purchase" to hold effectively.
To install toggle bolts, you will need to drill holes in the fiberglass. The size of the hole will depend on the type of toggle bolt you are using. For example, for a 5/16" SS toggle bolt, you would need to drill a 5/16" hole. However, for other types of toggle bolts, you may need to drill larger holes, which can be more difficult to seal and may weaken the structure of your boat.
If you decide to use toggle bolts, it is recommended to use stainless steel toggle bolts that are specifically designed for bolting down boat seats. These bolts will provide better strength and corrosion resistance. Additionally, these bolts are designed to seal out water, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your boat.
When using toggle bolts, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Typically, you will need to fold the metal part of the bolt against the plastic part, insert it through the hole, and then pull the upper plastic insert tight to secure the bolt in place. You can then cut off any remaining plastic and start screwing in the bolts.
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Using a block of wood
When attaching seats to a fiberglass boat, one method you can use is to employ a block of wood. This method can be useful if you don't want to drill holes in the deck of your boat. First, position your new seats where you want them to be and mark the floor from the inside of the seat boxes. Then, cut a block of wood, such as a 2"x4", for each corner of the boxes. It's important to allow for a little bit of space between the blocks and the boxes. Next, fiberglass the blocks to the floor. Once the fiberglass has cured, set the seats over the blocks. At this point, you can choose to screw the seat boxes to the blocks, but it's not necessary as the seats should be secure without them.
This method provides a secure way to attach seats to a fiberglass boat without drilling holes in the deck. It offers the advantage of being able to remove the seats at any time. However, it's important to ensure that the blocks are properly fiberglassed to the floor to ensure a strong and durable attachment.
Another approach is to use plywood to create a sturdy base for your seats. You can use exterior-grade plywood, such as 1/4" or 5mm luan, to make a box for your seat. Coat the bare wood with a couple of coats of epoxy and let it soak in before adding the glass/epoxy. This will help prevent the wood from soaking up too much resin from the glass. You can also reinforce the corners and top of the box to enhance its strength.
When attaching the seats to the plywood box, you have several options. One suggestion is to use coarse screws and run them through the seat and into the fiberglass. Alternatively, you can use adhesives like gorilla glue or 3M 5200, also known as "Satan's glue," to create a strong bond. If you prefer a removable option, you can use Velcro strips or clip fasteners, which are commonly used for bolsters (side cushions).
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to attach seats to a fiberglass boat. One way is to use a nut and bolt, drilling holes in the fiberglass to screw the seats in place. Another method is to use gorilla glue and 2" wide velcro strips to attach the seats, which allows for easy removal. If you are attaching a pedestal seat, you can add a piece of plywood under the deck and bolt or screw into that.
To ensure your seats are secure, thru-bolting is the best method. You can also use a Fender Washer or backing plate to provide extra support.
Do not use silicone to fill the holes. Instead, fill them with 3m 5200 or use a coarse screw.
