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Ok, give me some input..I am installing 2 new base plates up front on my new boat to spider rig..The base plates have a welded ring on the underside..Do I need to cut my holes at 3" so base plate is flush???? My brother thinks the plywood will crack with a 3" hole being drilled to fit in the base paltes..ADVICE on what you hve done!!!
I've cut holes in my decks on a couple of different boats to accommodate bases like you mentioned with zero issues. How thick is your plywood? I've always used at least 3/4" marine grade on mine and if I can access below the bases, I like to use a backing plate.
Definately use a backing plate as mrdux mentioned if you can get to the underside....plywood, aluminum, an old teflon cutting board...etc...
And use bolts and nuts with washers...not sheet metal screws or lag screws...screws could eventually work loose and dump you in the lake....
Rickie
I used what they call Well Nuts. Its the same thing the factory uses. I think I only cut a 2in. hole in the wood and tapered the top edge. But mine set above the carpet.
I cut my holes 2 1/2 in. I also used a backing plate.
I added two extra base both up front and in the back. Everything works great.
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