Console attachment issues Nida-Core raised deck

[Franklingt3]

I am new to the board and also a new owner of a restored 1972 center console Seacraft . The boat was restored beautifully by its previous owner, two years ago - however I have a problem with the console coming loose from the deck. I have been doing some research and what I have found seems to be that there are various options to attach including gluing down with 3M 5200 as well as various reinforcing methods (epoxy ‘plugs’, backing plates under deck using locking nuts and bolts) The console currently is attached with a number of stainless steel screws that have lost their grip. The caulk/glue is rubbery like silicone and not attached at all to the console and easily removable.

I suppose I’m curious to see what kind of feedback I get it looks to me like I may need to cut an access hole under the consul to be able to attach with nuts and bolts thoroughly and thoroughly clean the surface and utilize 5200. Hoping for some answers and I’m very happy with this beautiful boat!

[nate22]

Hi Franklingt3 welcome to the form! Yes Nida-Core sucks for fasting items to it using screws.

3M 5200 will bond very good, but your most likely going to have to remove your console to properly complete this task.

Using thicken epoxy would be the easiest way to fasten the console to the deck with out removing the console. Just remove all the current fasteners and take a larger drill-bit to open up the diameter of the fastener hole, be sure to not drill past the bottom fibreglass skin of the deck, then add thicken epoxy. You might have to have to use wider washers to hold down the console flange after the mods are made. Show us some pictures of the console and your new boat.

[db3155]

you can also just glass it to the floor from the inside of the console.

[uncleboo]

Or glass a 1"x1" block to the deck along the edges inside and screw the console to it from the outside. Gives you options.

[jorgeinmiami]

Originally Posted by uncleboo

Or glass a 1"x1" block to the deck along the edges inside and screw the console to it from the outside. Gives you options.

I screwed in a 1 inch aluminum angle to the floor and then to the console

[Franklingt3]

I hope the link is working, I posted some pics of my boat and issues w/ console. I am thinking I will take this approach:
-Raise console, clean bottom of console thoroughly as well as deck
-Open up inside existing holes of the Nida-Core, carefully fill with thickened epoxy resin
-Carefully apply 5200 Fastset (Unless I hear otherwise from you guys), to the bottom of console
-Reattach all screws after pre-drilling, through the console
-Use Bolts / Locking washers with large backer washers at my feet, as I have under-deck access there)
-Considering a piece of 316 stainless 1 1/2" angle inside the console (nicely machined by a friend) on the sides, attached with 5200 so I don't load up console with more screws

I am thinking this will do it. The real problem is my passengers hold onto the console while under way and the stress of upward pulling is significant.

I will plan to let this dry thoroughly before using the boat.

I am of course open to thoughts (thinking this may be a bit of overkill but i do not want to do this again and lose time on the water!

Thanks,

Frank in OCNJ