Carver Owners Forum

We are attempting to install the Salter Spiral Stairs onto the back of our 1989 36' foot Carver Aft Cabin. The top step is supposed to be screwed into the back of the boat.(from underneath it no less - felt like an acrobatic trying to do this) Turns out there really isn't anything for the screws to be screwed into. We are thinking we need to go through from the Aft Cabin with lag bolts. This will require a metal plate and extra work. Then we have to be creative about how to cover up the metal plate. The stairs also won't go snug against the boat. I think we have to live with that. Any other ideas would certainly be welcomed.

Maybe a silly question, but where do the 4 holes in the picture go? Into the hull/core, through the hull/core into the boat interior (aft-cabin?), or into a space between the hull/core and interior wall?

If it's the last one I can offer a simple solution....

We put in the 4" bolts that came with it and when we look in the aft, we can see just a shadow of the tip on the bolt pushing on the carpet of the interior wall. So they are just about through.

The proper way to seal any hole through a cored section is to dig out some core on the outside of the hole and fill the void with fiberglass and resin.
Then when you bolt through, use a Marine Caulk, such as BoatLife or 3M 4200 or 5200. DO NOT USE SILICONE as a sealer or adhesive!

Ditto above. Here is a link to one very detailed description of options to repair holes.
http://www.westsystem.com/ss/repairing- ... iberglass/

Now, IF the 4" distance from outside to inside has empty space (likely), then you can do the following. Cut a hole next to where you need to mount. Properly install an access deck plate (see link for examples). This will allow you to bolt securely to outer hull using backing plate and correctly sized bolts. The deck plate will be hidden by the stairs, but even if exposed- if properly installed- will look like any other fitting. I have done this on several boats for mounting after-market equipment, running new wire/accessories, etc.
http://www.beckson.com/screwout.html

Might work for your application......

Joe