What IS this large square metal bracket glued to the front floor of my Zodiac YL310R?

[PERRYinLA]

Hello from Los Angeles!

I am now the 3rd (at least) owner of a Zodiac YL310R, made sometime in the late 90's. The owners I bought it from didn't know much of its history, so they could not tell me what is glued to the front floor. As the photos show, it is some sort of large square metal bracket. But it has no holes or indentations, so not only do I not know what used to be mounted there, I also don't know how it ever stayed attached!

I have a theory or two, but they are only guesses.
So I'd rather hear from someone that's seen this installed elsewhere.

Also, what is under there? The bracket looks like it is covering some sort of original opening or hatch that came with the Zodiac. If that's true, that's more incentive to remove the bracket! (Any tips on how to do so is also appreciated!)

 

[kandil]

Re: What IS this large square metal bracket glued to the front floor of my Zodiac YL3

It looks like a hatch to the down stair be careful with your toes

 

[lowkee]

Re: What IS this large square metal bracket glued to the front floor of my Zodiac YL3

Is it the Navy SEALS edition? It's to mount the machine gun. You mean the PO didn't include the machine gun? Shame.

 

[twkjr 1250]

Re: What IS this large square metal bracket glued to the front floor of my Zodiac YL3

maybe a center console with a tuna tower

 

[fakeplay]

Re: What IS this large square metal bracket glued to the front floor of my Zodiac YL3

It's where the lockness monsters hiding.

 

[mudslinging79]

Re: What IS this large square metal bracket glued to the front floor of my Zodiac YL3

looks to me like a place to hold the 6 gallon gastank, run a strap across the middle through the eyes...???

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: What IS this large square metal bracket glued to the front floor of my Zodiac YL3

Gas tank is my first thought too. Even has the raised lip towards the stern to stop it from moving back.

Second thought is maybe just a place to put an anchor so it isn't sliding all over the place and scuffing the sole.

 

[markiemay]

Re: What IS this large square metal bracket glued to the front floor of my Zodiac YL3

Im thinking a place to slide a chair when another person comes along.

 

[Expidia]

Re: What IS this large square metal bracket glued to the front floor of my Zodiac YL3

Another vote for the plastic gas tank, especially since it's mounted up front to balance the weight. Those strap buckles are so if you hit a wave the tank won't fly out of the boat. Just like a battery hold down.

Is there going to be a prize for the winning guess

 

[PERRYinLA]

The problem with offering a prize is, how do you really know who is right? Whoever put it there is long gone, so we'll never really know.

I suppose the gas thank theory is the most likely one, but that sure is an obtrusive, permanent, overkill of a bracket for the tank- running some tight straps through the existing openings should have been enough.

I will measure the vintage Chrysler "Tote Tank" (pic shown below) that came with the Zodiac and see if it fits the dimensions of the bracket- stay tuned.

 

[PERRYinLA]

ELEVEN years later....

Well, the dinghy was sold 2 years ago, and the outboard and the gas tank sold yesterday.

Just had to give this thread the closure it deserved.

 

[km1125]

ELEVEN years later....

Well, the dinghy was sold 2 years ago, and the outboard and the gas tank sold yesterday.

Just had to give this thread the closure it deserved.

But you never said if that gas tank actually fit!! Did it?

 

[PERRYinLA]

I never had a chance to check! As soon as I acquired the dinghy, we transported it to Marina del Rey Harbor, where it always stayed (except for trips to Catalina) until it was sold, and the gas tank went to my garage in Anaheim until I sold that recently, too!

I never had to use the outboard and gas tank that came with the dinghy because my sailing partner already had a working outboard, so we used his.

So they were never in the same place at the same time, and now that they have been sold to different buyers, never will.