[powdersnowsailor]

Hi Everyone

Forgive me if this thread is an old one - my search didn't turn up anything on this topic...

I am replacing our original 1973 Raritan Compact II with a Jabsco and of course with a different bolt pattern. (I know, say it ain't so, but the Raritan is just worn out and Jabsco's are inexpensive. My brother's Jabsco has worked well for 10 years.)

1) What is under the gelcoat platform that the head base is mounted upon? Is it fiberglass? Plywood?

2) Can anyone suggest how to install new bolts for the new base? What hardware, how to drill/tap etc

Thanks

 

[hillerpd]

We have a C&C Landfall 38 and there is nothing under there, just empty space.
Recently replaced our head and used lag bolts to secure the new head; seems to be holding up well and steady as arock.

 

[powdersnowsailor]

Thanks for the reply.

I am trying to imagine what the lag bolts have to bite into.

If there is no wood underneath, that means there is only ~1/4 inch thick glass layer for the threads? Is that enough?

Of course, if that works well, I'll be thrilled to do the same thing as its such an easy solution!

 

[powdersnowsailor]

The head is in.

I backed out the existing hanger bolts (one end is lag-bolt thread, the other the finer machine thread), then pre-drilled the new holes, drove in the hanger bolts, then bolted on the new head.

The material under the gel-coat is ~3/4 wood, so there is enough for the bolts to bite into.

Easiest upgrade ever.