How to securely install a seat base in a aluminum boat

In this video, I will show you how to securely install a seat base in your aluminum boat. This involves the use of rivet nuts and a rivet nut tool.
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[@CountryBoyScience]

Very informative! Just ordered a riv nut tool and subscribed.

[@BuckcreekTV]

Glad it was helpful and thanks! Its not a tool I use everyday, but when I do it is very handy to have

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

The rivet bolt mount is a novel idea. The MFG uses sheet metal screws, and that seems to work well. Thats all I used for my grizzly. The good news is that if screws do eventually fail, the backup plan would be the rivet mounts as they take a larger hole. If you do the rivet mounts to start and they fail, not many options other than aluminum welding the holes closed and starting over. Food for thought.

[@BuckcreekTV]

I absolutely agree with you from the factory If the boat comes with sheet metal screws I see no reason to do this unless they fail. That being said, the additional strength and rigidity provided by the additional surface area coverage by the rivet nuts would require a significant amount of force to pull through or damage. I'm not saying it cannot happen but I would imagine it is extremely unlikely. You provided a perfect example though. A friend of mine had sheet metal screws for his boat cleats and a limb grabbed one of them and ripped it out stripping the aluminum. We proceeded to put a rivet nut in place and a stainless steel bolt which remedy the issue. It is significantly stronger now and there have been no issues in the past 4 months. I look forward to seeing how long these rivet nuts last. I hope for a minimum of 10 years but would be extremely happy if it exceeded 20. I appreciate you watching and leaving a comment as well as your thoughts. It's wonderful!

[@waynekaye6883]

Don't be fooled by the fact the factory uses sheet metal screws. If you look under the stern factory seat base you will see they have welded 2 pieces of flat bar where the screws go. This more than doubles the thickness there. If you stick your phone alongside of the battery and take a pic you'll see what I mean. I would not trust screws on thinner plate . I really like the idea of rivet nuts and thank the OP for the suggestion.

[@KevinsNorthernExposure]

@@waynekaye6883 yes...yes they do have added plate from the factory in factory seat locations. That said, 6 screws is plenty in aluminum to hold it. Floor is twice as thick as the bench for a pedestal.....and that helps with added torque of a 14" post. Not anywhere near the torque in a seat base without a post. Two thing go wrong with rivet nuts.... 1. they can spin....then you're screwed. 2. machine screws have a galvanic reaction with the rivet nuts causing them to freeze up, which makes you unable to remove the screws at a later time....and with too much effort, see #1. Well nuts are like rivnuts...but have the same release issue. The directions for installing pedestal base refers to stainless sheet metal screws...even in fiberglass. More than one way to do anything. if there is access to install a backer plate....of course, do it.

[@johndoe-ek6vl]

Good job. Those Grizzleys are built like a tank. If I could do it all over again I'd have gone all out and bought their 20 foot one with the upper deck add on

[@johnt4060]

Informative and well put together, thanks for the tutorial!

[@BuckcreekTV]

@@johnt4060 thank you!

[@MarkSavides]

Are those carbon steel Nut Rivets? wondering why you did not use stainless. I know aluminum is weak but any dissimilar metal could cause Galvanic corrosion. Not sure there is a way to use nut rivets to prevent this. I would be interested in an update to see if those rust or have corrosion later on down the line.

[@BuckcreekTV]

No rust after a year and saltwater use just unscrewed the base a month ago without a problem. They are brass rivets with stainless bolts.

[@MarkSavides]

@@BuckcreekTV Awesome. Thank you for the update, planning on doing something similar.

[@BuckcreekTV]

No problem

[@heatherprosseda6316]

I have a Lund ssv with plywood topped benches. Id like toninstall a Millenium seat like yours on a swivel. I cannot access the inside of the styrofoam filled bench to use bolts woth nuts. Im wondering if you think i could use a rivet like that on the wood benches to secure the swivel base. My one rider is 290lbs so Im looking for a more secure way to mou t that seat. Also, the plywood bench tops have marine vinyl on them. Wondering if I can install those rivet nuts right thru the vinyl. Thanks

[@BuckcreekTV]

Im not certain how well rivet nuts would work with plywood. I think the plywood would be to thick for it if it's 3/8 or 1/2" before using rivet nuts, I'd find a scrap piece of plywood same thickness and try brass rivet nuts on it to see if it would pull through. Hope this helps.

[@corysturgis6660]

The make threaded inserts for wood but a lag bolt/screw might have more strength. Good luck. Maybe even toggle anchors

[@markpennell4938]

I noticed you are right handed on the video. Just wondered why you put the seat on the right of the boat so you are holding the tiller with your left hand? I've seen that a lot but haven't found out why. Noce video!

[@BuckcreekTV]

Thanks! Two general reasons for me. #1 I had shoulder surgery on my right shoulder so my left is much more comfortable. #2 the controls are on the right side of the boat so it is easier to reach between my legs to get to them vs bending over.

[@markpennell4938]

:) Makes sense. Thanks@@BuckcreekTV

[@donniemerren6475]

Awesome video!!!

[@BuckcreekTV]

Thanks!

[@macktannen]

What pedestal seat mount is on that seat? I’m putting seats in my boat build and I’ve never messed with any before so if I was to only use the Attwood mount (in the description) and then their seat mount would it swivel like yours? Im ignorant with boats haha

[@BuckcreekTV]

Yes, it should be able to.

[@lukecaron831]

Dudes be like hell yeah

[@waynekaye6883]

W hen you mounted the bracket you didn't add anything to the bottom of the tube. Water will get in there and soak in the foam. A short piece of tight fitting rubber hose blocked off on the bottom will prevent this. I just bought the same boat and will be doing this as well.

[@BuckcreekTV]

Problem associated with blocking that hole in the bottom is at the seat. Pin sits longer or farther down than that. Also, in my case, fortunately I'm able to store it in a dry shop that in the summertime is getting to 110 120° which allows any moisture to evaporate

[@waynekaye6883]

@@BuckcreekTV That's what I was referring to, using a piece of rubber hose. Make it long enough to extend past the the seat pin and block off the bottom. That eliminates any chance of water getting down there.

[@BuckcreekTV]

Understood, excellent addition