Anchoring to Wooden Floor

[jimbojambo]

Hi,

Does anyone have a good way to anchor fuel tanks, etc, to a plywood floor? I don't want to put anything right through the wooden floor, in case it damages the material behind, so have been looking at things like pronged tee nuts - but I cannot find stainless ones for love nor money. I did get some BZP ones, but am trying to stick to A2 grade for all fixings (my OCD is getting the better of me ). But if anyone has used BZP and it's not rusted then I'll certainly consider it.

Any other ideas for fixings? I'd probably like to put a few anchor points in various places, as I imagine they would be useful for a variety of things (including keeping things secure when towing).

Any suggestions/pictures will be much appreciated!

Thanks

[Downhilldai]

What about using a countersunk machine screw from the underside of the deck to fix the tank straps with washers and domed nuts on top?

[Northern Tim]

How about simply drilling/cutting a small hole in the floor, through which you could pass a rope or webbing straps to tie the tank down? That way, the only thing under the floor would be soft and wouldn't damage your inflatable.

[kelson]

I have installed stainless steel footmans loops on my wooden forward floor sections. I used a spade bit on the bottom to accomodate the bolt head and a washer and then filled with epoxy resin and fiberglass strands. Sand flush and you won't ever have wear issues under the floor. The ss footmans straps are very strong. They stick up a bit on the floor, but I haven't stubbed a toe on them... yet. The counter sunk bolt head method sounds good, but I tie down some heavy loads and I didn't want the bolt pulling through the flooring. Just one more option to consider. I looked at d ring mounting plates that could be screwed to the deck, but I knew they would rattle about when not in use.

[jimbojambo]

Thanks to you all who've replied.

I also want to get something non-moving and non-rattling, so will try the countersunk machine screws and dome-nuts combo, with these on the upper side:
http://www.screwfix.com/search.do;js...h_search=22320

I might err of the side of over countersinking the hole, and I like the idea of using epoxy resin to bring flush with the wood to save wear and tear on the material.

I will hopefully do this in the coming days and will post pictures if I remember!

Thanks again

[Downhilldai]

An M8 csk bolt, penny washer and eyenut would be easier.

Like this:

http://www.force4.co.uk/3593/Force-4...-Nut---M8.html

[jimbojambo]

Good suggestion Downhilldai, I've just bought some off of fleabay for £1.20 each. Will get machine screws from screwfix and job's a good'un!

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by jimbojambo

I've just bought some off of fleabay for £1.20 each.

Good price - got a link?

[jimbojambo]

Here you go:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/M6-6mm-1-4-Mar...Accessories_SM

M6, rather than M8 - but for what I'm using it should be more than enough.

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by jimbojambo

M6, rather than M8

Thanks, that explains the good price. Still decent value for M6 though.

Bear in mind the head of the screw will be smaller and have less purchase on the underside of the floorboard. If you're just holding down lightweight stuff, M6 should be ok.