Weaver MotoSto Swim Step Mount Project (Can of worms)

[rgreenwell8962]

Okay, so after three years of finding excuses not to buy this (http://www.weaverindustries.com/inde...-platform.html) thinking it would be a quick "bolt on" throw on my dinghy motor and away we go, uhhhhh I am stuck.

It came in the mail today and when I opened it up, it dawned on me that this mounting is not going to be as simple as I thought. It comes with 2" screws and nuts. Easy enough. Not so. I was thinking it would be attached by simply screwing in onto the swim step, but these 2" screws and nuts, make me now wonder how in the heck to attach it.

Has anybody done this?

It is going on the swim step of a 2001 2500 SCR.

Thanks!

[seapuppy]

well...the problem is your going to have to get a skinny little guy into the engine bay and use a wrench to attach it from the inside......it's not going to be an easy install...
install blue tape on the decking to prevent gel coat from splinttering........pre assembly is required to mark the step holes for drilling......drill the holes as marked and use a chamfer bit to smooth the edges...
have 4200 silicone sealant ready.....mount the brackets with the screws and someone inside for the nuts/washers.....again..be liberal with the silicone sealant in and around the holes......

the hard part is getting to the nuts on the inside of the swim step....

SP

[rgreenwell8962]

There is no way to get into the swim step from the engine bay. It is a solid transom, no access to the swimstep. I was thinking that wold be the way, but not so.

Originally Posted by seapuppy

well...the problem is your going to have to get a skinny little guy into the engine bay and use a wrench to attach it from the inside......it's not going to be an easy install...
install blue tape on the decking to prevent gel coat from splinttering........pre assembly is required to mark the step holes for drilling......drill the holes as marked and use a chamfer bit to smooth the edges...
have 4200 silicone sealant ready.....mount the brackets with the screws and someone inside for the nuts/washers.....again..be liberal with the silicone sealant in and around the holes......

the hard part is getting to the nuts on the inside of the swim step....

SP

[seapuppy]

your step isn't hollow??....if not then you need to use self taping bolts with 5200.....it will hold it and seal at the same time.....if it's not hollow..then it is cored with wood.....so...be liberal with the 5200.....

let me know if you need help....

Steve

[rgreenwell8962]

I need help (dont even say it Seapuppy).

Originally Posted by seapuppy

your step isn't hollow??....if not then you need to use self taping bolts with 5200.....it will hold it and seal at the same time.....if it's not hollow..then it is cored with wood.....so...be liberal with the 5200.....

let me know if you need help....

Steve

[rgreenwell8962]

Is there a way to comfirm if in fact it is solid or with a wood core? How long should the self tapping screws be?

[seapuppy]

your going to have to drill a test hole or inspect from in the engine bay...my 2455 bayliner(which is the same as yours only without lipstick)...was hollow ...you could see right to the halves.......

I would say that the screws need to be at least 1.5 " long depending on if your a solid core of wood or not...

SP

[shrew]

I'm surprised that you can't access the hollow innards of the swim step from inside the engine compartment. I'd be concerned about self taping screws stripping out. Personally, I'd return it and replace with this one:

http://www.weaverindustries.com/inde...som-mount.html

[rgreenwell8962]

Shrew,
I looked at that one, but on the 2500 there is a locker that is in the way, making mounting near impossible. I am in a pickle.

[shrew]

I built mine using rail mounts and a piece of pressure treated wood. It mounts on the rails of the backrest across the transom.

[rgreenwell8962]

Shrew,
Can you send me a few pics? PM me if you want my email to send them to. Would be great to see how you did it. Thanks!
Rich

[shrew]

I'll post them here. I'd prefer to keep information online as it contributes to discussion, enriches the site content, and fosters the intent of a forum. I'll need to take a few pics and upload shortly.

[rgreenwell8962]

Sounds good! Thanks alot!!!

[seapuppy]

plus we all like boat pictures!!!


SP