Anybody fix A Frame to floor ?

[davis]

I was thinking of having an A frame on my boat but it would need to be fixed to the floor. Has anybody fixed an A Frame to the floor of a Valiant. Can I cut a hole with a hole saw to get my hand under the deck to tighten the bolts and replace the hole with one of those screw in pvc access hatches?

[SeaSkills]

I had a factory fit A frame on my Valiant 6.5. The aft leg was secured to the transom, and the front leg was fitted to the deck. I'm assuming you will have a similar arrangement. I don't think I'd feel very comfortable with a frame that was only deck-mounted, the transom gives a lot of strength and support. The deck fitting on mine was was poor - just screwed into the deck. Your plan to bolt down is a much better idea. I'm pretty sure there is a big baffle in the hull at that end, and you'll need to avoid that when you make your access. Remember too that there isn't a lot of space below the deck near the sides - you wouldn't want your hole saw damaging the hull as well.