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[Norman Castle]

I'm trying to work out a way of having interchangeable structures fastened to the deck by means of a common attachment point.  Deck is 4mm ply, and so far I can't get past M3 Allen screws into M3 threaded inserts of this kind ... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M3-x-6mm-Slotted-Screwdriver-Steel-Screw-In-Inserts-For-Wood-10-Pcs-100160-/271148455368

However, when I want to sail without any of these structures on board (which will be most of the time), that would leave me with through-holes in the deck unless I block them off with something like an M3 mushroom-headed screw (if indeed such a thing is available).  Also, I suspect that it might be difficult to fit those inserts so that I end up with a clean installation, totally flush with the deck - unless I can find something similar which has a flange at the top of it, perhaps?

Has anybody got any alternative ideas please?  This relates to an ongoing build, by the way.  Hull is almost finished and deck is glued on, so access to the underside of it is limited, unfortunately ...

[gribeauval]

Why not use small rare earth magnets under the fittings with a steel plate/washer let into the deck, they have a very, very strong 'grip'. A lot of the fast racing boats have their hatches fixed with them.

Mike

[Norman Castle]

That's one possibility Mike, maybe together with locating dowels ...

[aeronut]

Norman - there's a variety of threaded inserts, some with flanges, here.  The same company also sells M3 screws with various heads.


Gordon

[nemesis]

Go along with Mike. This is a system I have used a lot but do not use dowels if using rare earth magnets as you will have to pull the fitting off. I slide the fitting off its position. Try it on a bit of scrap to see the strength of the magnet. nemesis

[Bob K]

I always use the rare earth magnet method.  Really holds the hatches etc in well, and the tightness of grip helps keep undue water getting under the flanges.

Bob K

[derekwarner]

Not a laughing matter  ...in OZ, when a person collects a package/envelope containing rare earth magnets from a supplier, he or she must sign a MSDS that alerts them not to put the package near any part of the upper body torso ....or to be alerted should the person has any type of heart pacemaker installed/embedded in their chest..........

Derek

[Norman Castle]

Thank you gentlemen.  I do believe I'm sorted now