Fitting a marine toilet to an Etap 23

[srbs61]

I'm looking at fitting a marine toilet (Jabsco) to my 1990 Etap 23, but I'm not sure how to fix the base to the cabin sole. There's a raised plynth in the forepeak where the loo is designed to fit, but it is solid (fiberglassed all round), so it's not possible use simple through bolting.

Is there a metal plate embedded in the fibreglass ? Should I drill a shallow hole and tap a thread for the fixing bolts ?

Any suggestions whelcome.

Steve

 

[ostell]

Could there be a wood block underneath the glass? In which case coach bolts.

 

[vyv_cox]

On Sadlers the aluminium plates glassed into decks can be found using a metal detector, as sold for pipes and wires beneath plaster in houses.

 

[srbs61]

Thanks for the pointers. I think a small exploratory hole may be in order.

Steve

I'll post what I find, for the benefit of other Etap owners.

 

[srbs61]

On closer inspection (I didn't notice until I was preparing to drill an exploratory hole) there are six 3mm indentations in the moulding - marking the locations for the standard, but optional, sea toilet. 2-3mm under the surface is an aluminium plate, so it appears I'll need to drill and tap for an M8 bolt and the jobs done (at least as far as securing the toilet goes).

Steve

 

[prv]

I'll need to drill and tap for an M8 bolt and the jobs done (at least as far as securing the toilet goes).

...as long as the pre-prepared holes match the ones in the toilet you buy

Pete

 

[srbs61]

...as long as the pre-prepared holes match the ones in the toilet you buy

Pete

Don't worry, I'm not so eager that I'm going to drill the holes before I know where to drill them.

Now brass, bronze or plastic (Tru Design) sea cocks ..... ?

Steve