What a nice group of return ideas.

Dean, I think it was your original idea that keyed my grabbing onto grant's glass ply as a means to really ensure that erics nice fitting could be made fairly strong. By using the glass ply approach you can really orient the fibres acroos the fitting to maximize stregth while the deck glass may (may) not be oriented nicely. However it's done I think your method should be the last step.

Hey Bobby, nice new fitting. Lots of permutation possibilities here. Like if you accept the depth, what about the same around the hatch. Push in pins and it's locked. Could even make the flange a little deeper so no water infiltration(hatch) possibilities. Or really really easy to make into a jam fitting. Nice one.

BIll and erez you've obviously got the same sentiments about getting strength and you'rs is yet another way. Maybe a bit deep to thread. And erez, you don't need fittings to paddle. Or are you trying other ways to get 'fit' too?(hahaha)

Andreas, I think everyone here is just so so envious of your situation, with ability, methods, tool and shop capabilities. Please post more about what you've got so we can all drool with regret. On second thoughts don't, I'd rather not cry so much!!

The glassply is just one approach to getting strenght here. Say for example, you held the little 1/4x1/4in by 1 1/4 (or so) cross pc in your hand and drilled a 1/8 in hole right thru the whole length(relieve the underside of ea end by 1/8in). Or grooved the bottom w/ a 1/8diam or so radius. In the fitting base right under where the x-pc goes drill a 1/8 or less diam hole vertically down thru the whole base to the underside. Take a 4in long pc of 1/16 or 3/32 stainless cable and thread and glue the centre portion in the xpc(or glue in the groove). Now have 2 pcs of 1 1/2 lone cable or ss rod hanging down on each side. Thread ea end down the side holes and epoxy up. Twist, tie or bolt or bend the rod or cable under the fitting, cover w/ lyr of glass.

Then looks the same but has hidden strength.(I think 1/16 d cable is close to 5hundred lbs.)

-mick