Rocket Launcher in cockpit

[Fish HARD]

I am installing a new rocket launcher in the back of my 35, anyone have any tips or expierence?

[Split Decision]

give me some more details since my 32 is the same as your 35. Maybe I can help you out.

[fishhard]

Rocket Launcher

Hi Split,

I bought a lee rk1544sk and need to mount it to the cockpit deck. I spoke with keith and learned the deck is constructed if gelcoat, fiberglass, 3/4 wood, 1/2 inch aluminum plate, then a bit more fiber glass. I also spoke to lee and they said the deck plate threaded sleve is about 1 1/2 deep so I will have to cut the floor right thru to the top of the tank. I under stand there is 3-4" to the top of the tank from the bottom of the deck, with some fuel lines there. I was told by lee to cut the deck right thru, then thru bolt the deck plate. I won't have to tap the aluminim plate, although it would add extra strenght.

Thats about it, just wondering if anyone has had any expierence or learned any lessons

[Split Decision]

If you through bolt it, I don't think you can get to the back to put nuts on. At least on the 32 you can't. The only access I have to that area is a 6 or 8" port over the sending unit in the tank. Maybe you would be able to get your hand in there but not sure. You are right about the 4" under the deck

Here is a pic of the space before the deck goes on in the 32. The 35 is most likely the same. I think I would try to tap the plate without drilling all the way through the deck.

[fishhard]

I should have take a picture of the deck plate...the threaded part of the plate extends past the bottom of the plate about an inch and a half...so that has to be cut out...from there the access will be right thru the middle of the deck plate to the nut and washers.

Thanks for the pic, that does help...and look at all that structural fiberglass, these boats are made for me..simple and strong. I will post a pic when it is done. Next project is some gelcoat repairs.

Tom

[Split Decision]

Now I understand what you are doing. That should work but just make sure that you seal it up good. You do not want any water dripping on the tank.

[Wolakrab]

I spoke w/Keith at the factory about mounting one on my 28. All he said to use is 3/4" screws and liberal amounts of 5200; no backing plate is necessary-the deck is plenty solid and 1" thick above the fuel cell. It's rock-solid and I've had several lard-asses(including mine)leaning on it with no ill effects.
He did say not to use screws longer than 3/4" to keep from penetrating the deck.

[fishhard]

Here is the finished product, works great

[fishhard]

trying to resize

[gil]

I am going to install a rocket launcher on my 35 in the next couple of weeks and am debating whether to thru bolt it or just use screws which will tap into the plate. The dealer told me the same about using 3/4 inch screws with 5200, but I would rather thru bolt it.

To gain access to the bottom did you have to cut an additional hole to gain access thru the center of the deck plate? if so how big was the hole in the deck plate and what kind and size of deckplate/rocket launcher did you use?

Wolakrab
What type of screws did you use and how long ago did you install it? and if you had to do it again would you do it the same way?