What are the best fixing screws to use?

[Dream Weaver 26s]

I want to mount a radio and a shelving unit to my 26S.
What are the best types of anchors, bolts, fixing screws to use?
Also are there area's of the side walls that I should not drill or screw in to?
Does anyone have a suggestion for speaker and radio placement on a 26S?

Thanks

Mark

[mastreb]

Mike Inmon at the MacGregor factory sales recommended using sheet-metal screws in the shortest applicable length, which would be about 1/2". These are also called "tapping screws" and you need to make sure you get them in a marine grade stainless steel or they will quickly corrode. Pan heads would be used for surface mount applications.

Search westmarine.com for a tapping screw kit and you'll have exactly what you need.

[grady]

Here is where I placed my radio.



My outside speakers are mounted here.



I do not have pictures of my inside speakers but I mounted them just aft of the galley below the seats.

I know they say you are not suppose to remove the foam but this was the best place to put the radio and I am not worried about sinking.

The only place you do not want to drill into is anywhere you will put a hole in the boat that will make it sink or hit any electrical wires.

"PK", "Self Tapping", "sheet metal" screws will be fine for anything that will not have a high load. Anything structural wit a high load you should use machine screws with a nut and large area washer.

[Doug91mac26s]

For sure only use stainless steel, or brass for certain things, like a decorative brass lantern. It's best if you can use a machine screw with a washer and nylock nuts. I only use sheet metal screws if I have to, for low load applications, or eventually it will probably work loose, unless you have a good thick area of fiberglass to screw into. Just be careful, scope it out real good. In most places there is some space behind the liner, but not everywhere. You can also use those clip on nut things sold at most hardware stores. Those are great for mounting, say speakers, where the fiberglass is a little thin.

As for speaker location in the cabin, I mounted mine over the aft bunk, they are basically out of sight, and sound good.
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1278

[Dream Weaver 26s]

Wow thank you everyone for the great advice. I know know exactly where I'll locate my speakers and head unit.
Anyone have a good wiring diagram to go off of?
I think probably I need my whole boat re-wired correctly. I don't have a professional looking main panel like everyone else. mine is mounted on some ply wood, that hinges down against the port wall directly at the stairs.
Is there a recommended kit for installing leisure batteries and a charging system?
I am pretty handy and sure I can figure out this install but would love a completely packaged box kit!

Thanks everyone!

Dream Weaver (toronto)

[mastreb]

Wow thank you everyone for the great advice. I know know exactly where I'll locate my speakers and head unit.
Anyone have a good wiring diagram to go off of?
I think probably I need my whole boat re-wired correctly. I don't have a professional looking main panel like everyone else. mine is mounted on some ply wood, that hinges down against the port wall directly at the stairs.
Is there a recommended kit for installing leisure batteries and a charging system?
I am pretty handy and sure I can figure out this install but would love a completely packaged box kit!

Thanks everyone!

Dream Weaver (toronto)

Sure, just go to west marine and buy a two-battery charging system. It includes the necessary switch and charging relays. It's about $200 though.

[Berber Boy]

Hi Mastreb,

Placed my Sony marine radio the same place as Grady and my speakers either side of it. Was a little worried by whether it would weaken the structure by cutting so much there but made a 1/2" ply template that I squuezed in behind the fiberglass so that I could screw everything in to something more solid. Have had no problems after two years.

Enjoy

Berber Boy

[madguy]

Anyone have a good wiring diagram to go off of?
I don't have a professional looking main panel like everyone else. mine is mounted on some ply wood, that hinges down against the port wall directly at the stairs.
Is there a recommended kit for installing leisure batteries and a charging system?
I am pretty handy and sure I can figure out this install but would love a completely packaged box kit!

Thanks everyone!

Dream Weaver (toronto)

Have a look on Ebay, theres a guy who makes really nice switch panels how you want them, they have an engraved diagram of the boat with little LED's that light up when you turn the swicth on to show whats on, they have all the switches, power sockets and volt meters etc and there only about £80. well worth it.
You should also find split charging systems on there.



Madguy

[FinallySailing]

Have a look on Ebay, theres a guy who makes really nice switch panels how you want them, they have an engraved diagram of the boat with little LED's that light up when you turn the swicth on to show whats on, they have all the switches, power sockets and volt meters etc and there only about £80. well worth it.
You should also find split charging systems on there.



Madguy

That is obviously if he ships from Poland to Canada - I wonder if Canadian customs is still as stringent as when my wife was still in the maritimes ... ? . I've looked at these panels myself, quite like them. The only thing he does not offer is circuit breakers instead of fuses. Fuses burn through, circuit breakers, switch off if the load is too high or in case of a short circuit. You can run out of fuses whilst on the water, but a breaker you can simply reset. Their ae some very well priced professionally made switch panels around. You can also get them waterproof or spray proof. They do not cost the world. And yes, if you check out fleebay you will find some really good offers.

Best wihes,

Immo

http://www.boatelectricals.co.uk/switch ... 6-way.html