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BOttom plate of extension. Note I also have a shorter extension, the important thing to figure out is how to mount that plate to the wood pier. Any help is appreciated.

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Now, I'm going to empty my french press and come up with the cheapest, easiest, best looking way to attach a top plate

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I have an idea for attaching the mount plate to the end of a wood pier that might help with the end-grain problem. Rather then bolting into the top of the pier use two "angle iron" segments - aluminum or steel L shaped bars - lag-bolted into the wood with mount bolt holes in their tops.

I know around here there are consumer-facing scrap metal places where it is easy to get some nice thick aluminum angle irons. Those are quite easy to work with.

I am not sure if that matches your "best looking" criteria, but it should be cheap and easy!

- Sean

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Sean, I like your idea as well. I would modify it as follows for Scuba using just one piece of aluminum angle that is 6x6x 71/2" long and 3/8"thick-

www.onlinemetals.com has aluminum angle that is 6 inches by 6 inches by 3/8" thick. You can get a piece that is 12 inches long for $27. They will even cut this to 7 1/2" inches for a small added fee. This will cover the entire top of the pier and will allow plenty of room under it for access to the mount bottom plate screw.

I would glue/screw a 7 1/2" long 2x4 layed on its side, under the free, open side of the aluminum angle. This will provide additional support for the otherwise open end of the aluminum angle piece, and provide a 3 1/2" open space between the top of the aluminum angle and the top of the wood pier. This space will allow access to the bolt used to attach the bottom plate of the mount extension. It will be open on both sides.

Aluminum is easy to drill. The tricky part though, is that smaller inner circular projection on the bottom of the mount extension plate with the screw hole in it.

Once it is complete, use a black aluminum paint on the angle bracket, screws, and 2x4 to match the mount!

Rmember to use stainless steel, glavanized, or treated wood screws to attach the aluminum angle plate to the treated wood pier. I would use two or three 1/2" by 3-4" long stainless lag bolts with matching washers. You need to predrill the holes in the wood before you screw in the lags. Use the holes drilled into the aluninum angle for a template to mark the holes.

Always wear safety glasses.

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