I went and purchased a 12 foot stick of Stainless Strap. It is 2" wide by 1/8" thick. I took it to my buddies shop and got it ready to install on the Pulpit. The price was about 57 dollars.
I had to cut it down to match the Pulpit where it starts to narrow towards the boat and then cut the ends to match the angle at the back of the Pulpit. I then laid out the holes to be drilled. The first holes from each end towards the middle were drilled every 2" and I bought 2" stainless screws for them. I drilled 13 holes on each side for the screws.
The reason I used screws was because I could not get a nut behind the Pulpit due to the raised part of the bow that the Pulpit sits on. So the screws went into the bow and wood from each end up to the 24" mark.
After that I could use nuts, bolts and washers to secure the strap. So I laid out the rest of the holes at 4" apart for a total of 24 holes.
Once I had all the holes drilled, I used a clamp to hold the strap down at the 24" mark, as that is the first place form the ends that a clamp can be used. My buddy then wrapped the strap around the Pulpit while I clamped it periodically in place, keeping it nice and level with the Pulpit.
Once clamped in place all the way around, I drilled my first hole through the Pulpit, starting at the very front of it and working my way down each side towards the back of the boat. This way keeps the strap nice and flat against the Pulpit as I bolted in down right after drilling each hole.
Then I drilled the holes for the 2" screws, doing them the same way on each side towards the back.
Once finished, I used blue painters tape and taped off the fiberglass all the way around the Pulpit about a quarter inch out from the strap. This will lead to a nice finished look for the Polyurethane.
I used PL's Polyurethane, Roof & Flashing Sealant to caulk up the strap all the way around the top. Basically did it for a clean finish.
Once I applied it, I let it sit for about 5 minutes and then removed the tape for a nice dress edge look.
You can see where it cracked between the screws. It did this on both sides.
See the crack right above the first screw as to the relationship to where the Pulpit leaves the boat? You can also see where the strap starts to now narrow right past the second screw.
Front view
The nice finished edge of the Polyurethane.
Thirteen 2" screws 2" apart from each end.
You can see underneath that you can put bolts and nuts only so far down before you have to use the screws.
Finished look and a lot stronger now. Does not give at all when someone stands on it to pull anchor.
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