Mounting a Fire Extinguisher

[christianL]

Hey guys,
long time boater here but have never had a reason or need to drill a hole in a boat. i want to install a fire extinguisher mount/holder. the area on the boat i'm looking at is kind of below the steering wheel. if i open the storage door i can clearly see and reach the area that is behind where i want to drill (part of the reason why i chose this spot to begin with).

#1) what is the best/correct method of fastening? should i use screws, or bolts and nuts since i can easily access the back side?

#2) could someone please give detailed instructions on the best and / or most durable way to install the mount? it uses to screws and will be subjected to moderate bouncing (22 ft. boat in a choppy harbor)

boat is fiberglass, will be my first hole thru it. thank you all for the time and help!

 

[seaboo]

Re: Mounting a Fire Extinguisher

Hey guys,

#1) what is the best/correct method of fastening? should i use screws, or bolts and nuts since i can easily access the back side?

#2) could someone please give detailed instructions on the best and / or most durable way to install the mount? it uses to screws and will be subjected to moderate bouncing (22 ft. boat in a choppy harbor)

Yes. If you can access the backside --I'd use Screws and nuts (most extinguisher mounts are made for a screw's tapered head (a bolt head would stick out too far). I'd use a washer behind it, and of course use stainless steel.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Mounting a Fire Extinguisher

I would use stainless nuts and machine screws, with fender washers on the inside to spread the load on the fiberglass bulkhead. Even better would be a backing plate of stainless steel or even sealed plywood + fender washers.

 

[woosterken]

Re: Mounting a Fire Extinguisher

i read some where (some body help me) you should run the drill bit backwards to mark the fiberglass before you run the drill frontwards , as to not spider web the fiberglass

woosterken

 

[christianL]

Re: Mounting a Fire Extinguisher

i read some where (some body help me) you should run the drill bit backwards to mark the fiberglass before you run the drill frontwards , as to not spider web the fiberglass

woosterken

yes, as far as drilling the hole, any special technique to avoid damaging the surrounding area?

 

[PDubs]

Re: Mounting a Fire Extinguisher

I'd like to know also since I need to install something as well.

 

[FlyinGuy1017]

Re: Mounting a Fire Extinguisher

To avoid cracking the fiberglass (or more specifically, the paint around the spot you're drilling), just drill a small pilot hole. Use a sharp bit and let the tool do the work. The 'drill in reverse' technique is to create a divot so the bit doesn't wander before it starts the hole.

Good Luck!

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Mounting a Fire Extinguisher

If you don't want to crack the gelcoat, simply campher the very top of the pilot hole with a bit 2-3 sizes larger than the original or use a Uni-bit.

The fire extinguishers aren't that heavy. You won't need a metal plate or marine ply on the back. 1/4" pan-head SS machine bolts on the front, fender washers with 1/4" ny-loc nuts on the back.

 

[Subliminal]

Re: Mounting a Fire Extinguisher

I've heard that its better to mount the extinguishers sideways as they end up packing the stuff in the bottom when mounted vertically.

Of course, I've also heard the plastic mounts aren't made to be placed any other way.

I put mine under the seat with the life vests. Seems like a safe place.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Mounting a Fire Extinguisher

FWIW, here is mine mounted.......so far.....so good......

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Mounting a Fire Extinguisher

I use a countersink bit first to make the divot.

For something like a fire extenquisher consider gluiing the bracket to the to bulkhead, especially in a place where if it falls, it doesn'at matter.

Someday you will replace the fire extinquisher and when you do, Murphy says the new one won't fit the bracket. I have that going in a boat where the bracket is inside the small console, too. So I just threaded a velco strip through the old bracket, and strap it around the extinquisher. In an emergency I can just yank it out. I just need enough to it keep it upright.