Flag Mount

[tamahawk1]

I have a 2004 300DA and I want to mount Old Glory on her stern. I have bought the flag and pole (correct size according to West Marine). The pole is a stainless pole with a 3 bolt bracket to use on the bottom side of the fiberglass. Before I go drilling away, I would like to know if the fiberglass just above the compartment door is strong enough to hold the flag pole. Has anybody ever had a problem with this?

Thanks!

Here is a link to the West Marine flag mount I bought: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...=true&storeNum=5004&subdeptNum=7&classNum=192

 

[Lazy Daze]

Can you be more specific as to where you're mounting it? Picture? Is there anything behind/under that area to worry about?

However, in the end, I doubt the area you are looking at wouldn't be sufficient. Do you have access to through-bolt? Again, though, probably won't be necessary.

 

[tamahawk1]

The area is just above the rear compartment door. Therefore, I will be drilling into the compartment itself. That is why I don't know if it will be strong enough to hold. I am able to using through bolts and the bracket on the inside that came with the pole. I will work on a pic later.

 

[Lazy Daze]

If you're going into the top of the transom locker, which is what I believe you are, you'll be fine. It might end up being thick enough to allow just screws. Start with that - once you drill your pilot hole, you'll know how thick it is. If it's about 3/4", you'll be fine w/o through bolting. Otherwise, some normal size washers (for the bolt you're using) would be fine.

If you've never drilled into glass before, I'll save you the time to "search": http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17850&highlight=drill

 

[johngus]

If you are worried about strength,put a piece of starboard behind it.It'll strenghten the area and give something for the screws to grab into.I would get like a 6 inch,by 6 inch piece.You could use wood too but then you have to worry about rot.

 

[Windjammer]

I would vote for using bolts vs screws - that way you can use the backing plate that should have been included with the flag pole. I used 1/4" X 1-1/2" stainless steel bolts and coated then with 3M4200 sealant.

 

[At Ease]

I just installed the recessed flag mount on the transom just to the right of the transom locker. Since I had access I through bolted with stainless hardward and proper sealant in each hole. The fiberglass was only about 3/8" thick in that area.

 

[davefin]

I'm with "At Ease". Did the same thing to my 310DA transom hatch. Drilled hole and used the flush mount hardware. Mounted the ensign on a teak staff and set it into the mount when underway. Looks real neat and clean.