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That's been a highway.... wow. But I'm pretty comfortable with the final act.
I had settled on a serving tray for the Hard Deck - but it was just too deep. And although I wanted something very rigid, I found I prefer something a bit softer - and lighter.
So after testing many more materials and mounting systems, I've finally settled on a compromise between the soft deck (OEM Stripping Apron) and a hard deck (Serving tray). I've found a FIRM deck.
I'm using a 25" X 15" Boot Tray.
* Super light weight, yet firm enough to do the job.
* Raised edge to prevent loss of stuff I will inevitably drop or set onto it.
* Black so its not reflective (white I could tell from driveway trials was going to be a problem)
After hunting for the ultimate click in, click out mounting, I discovered Scotty has a FF mount post that fits into their standard bracket! Easy Peasy.... Snap in when once I'm in the tube, snap out to get out and transport.
I wanted the deck to be elevated several inches over the bar and rail system (like the OEM Stripping Apron) - the Scotty Mounts elevate it perfectly. Its really comfortable to settle in behind this.
I'll likely cut down the raised edges in the front corners to flush mount the Hawg Trough.... but that is a project for next week.
The real victory for me was dialing in the mounting system I wanted to use for this. The Boot Tray is meant to sit on the floor... generally inside. We'll see how it performs in the heat and the sun being suspended from mostly one side. I can always find another suitable deck of this fails in the heat.
The mounting system is the true victory. Finding two of these in open stock on Amazon for half price made this even sweeter.
Super excited.
Thanks for all the hard deck encouragement and ideas here. I love this place!
- Ken
Clamp on so I can mark where I'll be drilling the holes to mount the posts
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Mounting Hardware on Tray (Posts) and on the Cross Bar (the FF Mounts)
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Finished product - the elevated Firm Deck.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
I had settled on a serving tray for the Hard Deck - but it was just too deep. And although I wanted something very rigid, I found I prefer something a bit softer - and lighter.
So after testing many more materials and mounting systems, I've finally settled on a compromise between the soft deck (OEM Stripping Apron) and a hard deck (Serving tray). I've found a FIRM deck.
I'm using a 25" X 15" Boot Tray.
* Super light weight, yet firm enough to do the job.
* Raised edge to prevent loss of stuff I will inevitably drop or set onto it.
* Black so its not reflective (white I could tell from driveway trials was going to be a problem)
After hunting for the ultimate click in, click out mounting, I discovered Scotty has a FF mount post that fits into their standard bracket! Easy Peasy.... Snap in when once I'm in the tube, snap out to get out and transport.
I wanted the deck to be elevated several inches over the bar and rail system (like the OEM Stripping Apron) - the Scotty Mounts elevate it perfectly. Its really comfortable to settle in behind this.
I'll likely cut down the raised edges in the front corners to flush mount the Hawg Trough.... but that is a project for next week.
The real victory for me was dialing in the mounting system I wanted to use for this. The Boot Tray is meant to sit on the floor... generally inside. We'll see how it performs in the heat and the sun being suspended from mostly one side. I can always find another suitable deck of this fails in the heat.
The mounting system is the true victory. Finding two of these in open stock on Amazon for half price made this even sweeter.
Super excited.
Thanks for all the hard deck encouragement and ideas here. I love this place!
- Ken
Clamp on so I can mark where I'll be drilling the holes to mount the posts
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Mounting Hardware on Tray (Posts) and on the Cross Bar (the FF Mounts)
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Finished product - the elevated Firm Deck.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
It makes me have to rethink my semi hard surface and I might have to change it up for the trout opener. More tinkering ahead. 
