Seat Pedestal

[Arkman]

I'm just about to install two seat pedestals like these: Seat Pedestals. I'm not sure what to do.

I have 5/8" plywood on my seats. One of the seats I'm going to mount without the pedestal. Just the top right to the base. The other I'm going to mount with the pedestal in. Do you guys think that the 5/8" plywood is strong enough to just bolt through or should I do something to reinforce the seat wood?

Any thoughts?

 

[arks]

Re: Seat Pedestal

If you have access below it would be best to add some additional beef- 3/4"wood or at least 11 gauge (1/8") aluminum (my choice).

If you don't have direct access below you can use Togglers. They hold an amazing load but will pull out if the substrate isn't strong. Get S/S if you boat in salt.

Togglers:

 

[Arkman]

Re: Seat Pedestal

I do have access to below but I don't have any spare wood. I'd rather not get a bunch of wood just for this part, but if you think that it will make a big difference then I will.

So you mean just glue another layer of plywood under the seat? Maybe glue it down to the seat top, so its two layers thick then bolt through that?

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Seat Pedestal

I would use fender washers, or even better would be a couple of feet of thin angle iron with all the holes in it. Would probably take (2) 8-10" pieces per pedestal. Run it length ways across 3 holes.

 

[Arkman]

Re: Seat Pedestal

On my seats there are a three holes on each side. So you are saying just bolt through the wood into angle iron(aluminum). Should that aluminum be attached to anything? Or just use it like its a washer?

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Seat Pedestal

The angle wouls serve as the washer but instead of pulling on a single point the load will be spread over the length of the 3 bolt holes. Usually the angle is thin steel that already has the holes prepunched. If you got any scrap angle or flat bar laying around you could drill the holes in that.

 

[Arkman]

Re: Seat Pedestal

Well, I couldn't find any scrap metal but I did find some scraps of wood from when I redid my floor. I cut some pieces of wood and glued one down. I do have to have to say that I mounted it just for fun to a 5/8" and set up the pedestal and really cranked on it and the wood didn't seem to give at all. So I think I would have been ok with just the seat top. It wasn't the best test but it was close. I'm glad I did add the extra wood and I will for the other seat too.

Thanks for all the help!