I'd like to install a pedestal seat on my boat's aluminum bench seat.  Here is the pedestal I have.    Since I can't get under the  bench seat to use bolts, any ideas how I can attach the pedestal to the bench?  I thought sheet metal screws would be too flimsy.  Considered toggle bolts but I'm afraid they might not be strong enough.  Any thoughts or other ideas?

Check this system out - might be the way to go.

 

A-Jay

 

http://www.overtons....7E&merchID=4006

 

 

Check this system out - might be the way to go.

 

A-Jay

 

http://www.overtons....7E&merchID=4006

I thought about that. I've used it without a pedestal, but I'm not sure it would be very stable with a pedestal. Lean back and I'm probably in the drink.

 

I googled my question and I think I found my answer on another fishing forum.  Threaded blind rivets if I can find them, or LSR pop rivets. Still open to any other ideas though.

If you are just planning on using just the pedestal base and a seat then the toggles will work fine.  If you are planning on using the seat and a pole also then you will most likely need to mount a piece of Plywood or extra layer of aluminum first across the top of the bench to make the existing bench sturdy enough to take the forces.

Behold-

http://www.boatersplus.com/swivl-eze-jon-boat-swivel-slide-rails.html

I used these to mount high back seats on 6" pedestals. You just use Stainless steel self tappers to mount this setup directly to your bench. I have had them on the boat for 3+ years with no issues.

I'd like to install a pedestal seat on my boat's aluminum bench seat.  Here is the pedestal I have.    Since I can't get under the  bench seat to use bolts, any ideas how I can attach the pedestal to the bench?  I thought sheet metal screws would be too flimsy.  Considered toggle bolts but I'm afraid they might not be strong enough.  Any thoughts or other ideas?

http://www.boatersplus.com/swivl-eze-jon-boat-swivel-slide-rails.html

POW!!! Your solution. One NJ guy to another.

http://www.boatersplus.com/swivl-eze-jon-boat-swivel-slide-rails.html

POW!!! Your solution. One NJ guy to another.

That's an idea, but heck, it costs almost as much as my seat.

Found it for $29, thanks Google!

Found it for $29, thanks Google!

I was just going to tell you that I just used the first link I found in order for you to see it.. But yes, the 52 dollar price is borderline insane. I paid 40 bucks each for mine at a local marina that does not have a reputation for low prices. I figured you could do even better than that online Glad to help.. I was in the same bind as you when I found these.

Couldn't find any LSR rivets so I went with regular pop rivets. It's only a 7" pedestal so there shouldn't be that much pressure. We'll see.

I have a 14 ft. aluminum boat with the bench seats. I used pedestals just like the one you linked to to mount my seats. I bolted the pedestals to 12 by 12 inch 3/4 inch pieces of plywood. Then I took 4 pieces (for 2 seats) of 1 inch angle iron, welded a 1 1/2 inch plate to the angle (to form a square "Z"), and pop riveted the angle onto the bench so that the plywood would slide into and out of the brackets (sort of like a drawer guide works). This way I can remove my seats when I want easily. Hope this explanation makes sense ( I took pictures but am not sufficiently computer savy to post them). Any way complete cost including welding was $21.00 for both seats. This system has held up since 2002.