Topic: Ram Mounts Require Backing Plates????

[EZM]

I think I have this figured out but wanted to bounce it off a few others for any ideas/suggestions .......

I will have a 898 and 858 mounted on top of the dash (boat is 1800 Tyee). The units and ram mounts are relatively heavy.

Screwing the ball base into the dash board top seems pretty flimsy to me. I saw lot's of online install videos and guys where just driving screws into their dashes ......

I figured, for added strength, I would add a backer plate below the dash and use stainless bolts/nuts to add strength .... any thoughts??

I have fabricated up these blocks from a sheet of HDPE 3/4" thick - the plates were cut to 4"x4" and drilled out to recieve the bolts in the same pattern as the ball mount on the top of the dash.

[EZM]

Here is the backer plate ....... (notice the Tim Horton's coffee cup in the first picture in the background ....lol).

[RGecy]

I guess it depends on how strong the material is that you are screwing in to, but a backer plate always makes sense!  Looks very nice and clean and very simple to do vs having to repair a damaged dash!


Robert

[ITGEEK]

You're right about the screws.
I would use bolts and nuts if possible.
It looks like a little bit of overkill, if the material to
fasten to has any strength.

I would have just used stainless steel hardware with
flat washers at each end.
But, it's a nice and secure method.

[yenrec]

I installed mine on thin fiberglass, my old small unit stayed fine but with my 898c i backed it with 3/4" marine grade plywood and it is solid as a rock! better safe than sorry!

[TroyBoy30]

most already use bolts and nuts for installs.  some even use large washer just in case