Hi Everybody, Happy Spring! I am going to be installing a pedestal based rocket launcher in the cockpit of my ‘04 38 Convertable. Does anyone have any experience doing this or installing a fighting chair? Looking at the cockpit floor, there appears to be a reinforced area in the center for this. I am reading some manufactures put a backing plate within the floor. I don’t see this, it just looks like thickened fiberglass. I plan on using a threaded backing plate, although there is only a few inches above the fuel tank. Working from the lazarette and side fish boxes to get to this area is a couple of feet. May be challenging. If not doable, my fall back is to install an inspection plate closer to the base of the pedestal. Any tips or advice appreciated. Thanks! rich
I don't know what Luhrs does, but every SF manufacturer I've come across generally fiberglasses an aluminum backing plate into the area to mount a fighting chair. You drill the holes for the appropriate size TAP and tap the aluminum and bolt right to it.
I agree with Capt J, there is a backing plate in the cockpit area on my Luhrs, which is older than your model. I remember reading somewhere that they molded in a backing plate in the cockpits for installation of a fishing chair. In my case there is an topside aluminum plate (8"circumference ??) that is screwed into the molded backing plate. Then there are tapped screws to mount the chair to the topside aluminum plate. I was thinking that maybe you could use one of those wall stud-finder tools to verify the location and size of the molded plate. Kevin
Yes there was a backing plate, my first experience with “tapping”. Went great! Please excuse the dirty boat, still pretty cold up here on Long Island
Looks good! I want to install the same one on my 2002 290 Open. Where did you get it? Does any know if the 2002 290 Open has a reinforcing plate in the floor also?
Does anyone have any recommendations for sources for Rocket Launcher s that are functional, like the one RSCIRV used here?
I like rocket launchers from Bluewater Chairs in Fort Lauderdale, FL. They make high quality products.
Lookup Birdsall Marine in West Palm Beach - they make rocket launchers for smaller size boats that have less cockpit room.
I second Capt J and his advice for Bluewater, they, and the other top names turn out artwork. Keep an eye on CraigsList, I sold a Bluewater there a few months ago and there are several listed in the South East area, many are aggressively priced.
Call Tim and Kathy at (772) 208-7862, a Mom and Pop operation in Florida, “rocketlaunchers@mail.com”. Tim designed exactly what I wanted for a price comparable to premade ones. I am very happy with the quality. Robert Page, if you can see under the cockpit floor, where the plate is, the floor is noticeably thicker.