2.4 Bolt-In Installation

2.4.1 Preparation of Vessel Structure

Seakeeper provided mounting hardware is intended to apply to typical installation arrangements. However, each installation, especially custom aftermarket foundations, should be thoroughly reviewed to ensure the provided hardware meets the required thread engagement for the Seakeeper unit being installed. The mounting bolt thread engagement requirements are outlined in the Installation Manuals and Installation Details Drawings for each Seakeeper model. This also applies to Seakeeper model adapter kits and OEM built frames where the bolt hole depth should be checked to ensure the bolts will not bottom, preventing the bolts from achieving the intended preload.

When the Seakeeper provided hardware is not appropriate, the bolt specification (diameter and thread pitch) and grade should be matched in the required length and used with the Seakeeper provided washers. Mounting bolts should always be torqued to the Seakeeper specification. All Seakeeper provided bolts are metric course thread. Hardware specifications are also listed in the Installation Manuals and Installation Details Drawings.

Refer to Seakeeper Drawing No. 90225 – Seakeeper 9 Bolt-In Installation Details. Important dimensional and load information is given in this drawing that will impact the design details of the structure that will receive the Seakeeper. It is assumed that a proper structural analysis has been performed for the hull structure to which the Seakeeper will be fastened to ensure proper strength margins for the loads the Seakeeper will create during operation. Seakeeper recommends a safety factor of 3.0.

The Seakeeper supporting structure should be parallel to the vessel waterline, with up to 2 degrees allowance for trim.

In addition, the four areas on top of the structure on which the Seakeeper frame and isolation gaskets will rest, need to be co-planar within .06 in. (1.5 mm) to minimize potential distortion of Seakeeper support frame when installed. The isolation gaskets are only used when the Seakeeper 9 is mounted to a dissimilar metal structure.

Seakeeper provides an installation template kit, P/N 90253, which contains plates that match the mating surfaces of the four feet located on the Seakeeper’s frame. These plates have 4 holes located at the same centers as the mounting holes on the Seakeeper. The fixture locates the hole patterns at the proper spacing both in the forward-aft direction and the port-starboard direction. See Figure 6 and 5 below. Once assembled, the fixture can be used to check clearances and alignment of the hull structure.

Note: Do NOT use the installation fixture to establish Seakeeper envelope dimensions. Refer to Drawing No. 90225 – Seakeeper 9 Bolt-In Installation Details, for envelope dimensions. A 3-D model of the Seakeeper is available on the Seakeeper Technical Library (www.seakeeper.com/technical-library/) to aid in designing the Seakeeper foundation and the space around the Seakeeper.

NOTE: MAKE SURE NO OBSTRUCTIONS FROM THE HULL STRUCTURE CAN BE SEEN WITHIN THE INSIDE OF THE INSTALLATION TEMPLATE KIT (INSIDE THE MARKED RED LINES) AS SEEN IN FIGURE 6. REFERENCE SEAKEEPER DRAWING NO. 90225 – SEAKEEPER 9 BOLT-IN INSTALLATION DETAILS.

CAUTION: Tight clearances from cable guide bands to hull structure.
See above figure for dimensions and reference Seakeeper Drawing No. 90225 – Seakeeper 9 Bolt-In Installation Details for complete Seakeeper 9 envelope.

2.4.2 Transfer of Holes to Boat Structure

1. Lower assembled fixture onto hull structure, see Figure 8.
2. The four areas where the feet of the Seakeeper will rest should be coplanar to within .06 in. (1.5mm). See figure below.
3. Align fixture in desired location and transfer holes from fixture plate to the hull structure by transfer punch. Note: Holes in fixture plate are ø 0.55 in. (14 mm).

2.4.3 Bolt-in Installation

Blind-Hole Instructions

1. Remove Template Fixture and drill SIXTEEN (16) 0.571 in. ø (14.5 mm ø) holes perpendicular to the vessel structure to a minimum depth of 0.84 in. (21 mm). Take special care to drill perpendicular to mounting surface.
2. Tap drilled holes for M14-2.0 threaded inserts.
3. Install 16 M14-2.0 x 1.5 in. D (21 mm length) locking threaded inserts into holes in hull structure at drilled and tapped locations using threaded insert manufacturer provided installation tool.
4. Remove threaded insert prong / tag after threaded inserts are installed.

Through-bolt Instructions

Remove Template Fixture and drill sixteen(16) 0.59 IN. (15 mm) ø perpendicular to the vessel structure. Take special care to drill perpendicular to mounting surface. A drill guide is recommended.

2.4.4 Installation of Seakeeper

1. Lower Seakeeper into position onto the hull foundation beams and align over drilled holes. Apply a small bead of marine sealant (e.g., SILI-THANE 803 or equivalent) between mating surfaces of Seakeeper frame and hull structure to prevent moisture wicking into bolt holes.
   
   1. For dissimilar metal foundations, locate and position the 4 isolation gaskets (P/N 10860) onto foundation beams and apply a small bead of marine sealant (e.g., SILI-THANE 803 or equivalent) between both mating surfaces of each isolation gasket where it contacts the beam and Seakeeper.
2. Install Mounting Bolts, as shown in Figure 10:
   
   1. For Blind-Hole installations (P/N 90642 – Seakeeper 9 Bolt-In Installation Kit), install the Seakeeper supplied Grade 10.9, M14-2.0 x 85 mm fasteners or alternative Grade 10.9, M14-2.0 bolts to maintain a minimum thread engagement of 0.90 in. (23 mm). Apply a moderate coat of nickel-based anti-seize (e.g., SAF-T-EZE nickel-based anti-seize, SBT-4N or equivalent) to the threads of each bolt and include a small bead of marine grade sealant (e.g., SILI-THANE 803 or equivalent) under each bolt head and washer before installation.
   2. For Through-Bolt Installations (P/N 90643 – Seakeeper 9 Through-Bolt Installation Kit), install the Seakeeper supplied Grade 10.9, M14-2.0 x 100 mm fasteners or alternative Grade 10.9, M14-2.0 bolts to maintain a minimum of 2 threads protruding past nut. Apply a moderate coat of nickel-based anti-seize (e.g., SAF-T-EZE nickel-based anti-seize, SBT-4N or equivalent) to the threads of each bolt and include a small bead of marine grade sealant (e.g., SILI-THANE 803 or equivalent) under each bolt head and washer before installation.
3. Torque all fasteners to 100 ft-lbs (135.6 N-m).
   
   1. New bolts, matching the Seakeeper specification, must be used for each installation and reinstallation that meet the requirements listed above.
4. Proceed to electrical and cooling portion of the installation.