Ice Proof Stanchion Bases

Specs & Pictures
- Matilda 16
- Matilda 20
- Matilda 23

Ice Proof Stanchion Bases

In northern climates stanchion bases need to be set in a way that allows complete drainage of any water. If not, the expansion of the resulting ice has enormous power and can split the base open. This technique uses a high density plastic sub-base to allow a water tight seal to the deck while providing good drainage for water.

Philip Merchant M20 “Storm Petrel”

(Click on images to enlarge)

	Drill drain hole into edge of plastic base that meets with center “sink” hole under center of stanchion base. Any water that enters fixture can run into the center sink hole (drilled half way through the plastic) and drain out. This keeps the metal base from being split open by ice expansion inside.
	As described above the horizontal drain hole intercepts the center “sink” hole to allow for the draining of water in the stanchion base.
	The plastic base is sealed down to the deck with good caulk but only the bolts and bolt holes are sealed. The stanchion base is not caulked to the plastic to reduce the chance of ice expansion damage being caused by trapped water.
	Stanchion base is bolted down (last bolt is not in yet) and any water that runs down the stanchion into the base can easily drain out. The ½ inch thick plastic sub-base also provides very good support to the deck especially when backed from underneath with a stainless steel or aluminum plate of equal size.