2.3 Selection of Installation Method

The Seakeeper 14 can be affixed to the hull structure using two bolting methods 1) Through-Bolt installation or 2) Blind Hole Bolt installation. See figure below.

The Bolt-in method is applied when a metal structure or laminated metal plates are available for attachment. The Seakeeper 14 frame would fasten directly to hull structure or plates using isolation gaskets for metal-to-metal contacts and twelve M14-2.0 fasteners. Depending on the structure to which the Seakeeper is fastened, blind threaded holes or thru-bolting can be utilized.

Marine-grade aluminum (6061-T6, or equivalent) bar stock is recommended for both blind hole tapping and thru-bolt installations. For blind-hold installations, helical threaded inserts (Helicoils) with a length of 1.5 x bolt-diameter (XX mm) are required to ensure the strength of the tapped holes exceeds that of the mounting boats (Grade 10.9) which ensures a secure bolted connection between the Seakeeper and hull structure.