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I have a 2008 Stratos 186xt and I am currently trying to install a recessed trolling motor tray only to find out I have a cross member right underneath where I want to put it. After reading other posts I didn't find that other people have the same type of support under their deck like mine and don't feel comfortable going forward until I get some more information. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.Attachment 89558Attachment 89559Attachment 89560Attachment 89561
pictures are very small
Welcome to BBC! Top far right of this page search tab try recessed tray stratos. Lots of info to read til someone replays with direct knowlege of your boat.
sorry about that. new to posting. i hope these are bigger pics.Attachment 89590Attachment 89592Attachment 89593Attachment 89594
Thanks for the help. I've been researching all week and haven't found one with a cross member as far forward as mine. Still searching but figured I would start my own thread until I found a viable solution, if there is one.
Go to the Stratos page and post.
Stratos/Javelin Boats
My triton has one identical, I cut it no issues and the deck is still rock solid. That support is pretty tough get you a good sawzall blade and get to work
My 20xd bullet had a crossmember that i cut and the deck is still just as strong. You can always glass a stiffner in infront of and behind the pan to make u feel better.
Gary
It will be OK. The stiffness of the tray with the proper screws will help with the stress of the deck.
John
Thanks for all the input everybody. Im going ahead with the install. I will post on my progress.
When I installed mine I measured to get a good idea of where it would be. I then put down 2" painters tape and made my final measurements. I marked the tape not the carpet just in case I screwed up. Once I knew I was in the right place and square, I used a utility knife to cut thru the tape/carpet. After removing the carpet I drilled four holes, one in each corner. I cut the deck with a fine tooth blade and scroll saw. If you cut the carpet straight you will have a good edge to follow. This may not be the best or even the right way to do it but it worked for me.
For sure cut the carpet first with a blade, you don't want the saw to grab a strand of carpet that might tear outside where your tray will be....