Installing Magnetic Hold downs

[redboat219]

How do you make sure the top and bottom magnets used in magnetic hold downs for securing hatches or decks are in contact with each other?

[redboat219]

How about those deck keepers included the Revell Type VII fittings kit.

Instructions only mentions where to place them but not at what the level to ensure the magnets make contact with each other.

[RCSubGuy]

Best solution in my mind is to mount one magnet to one side permanently. Drill a friction fit hole in a mounting plate for the opposite side of the hull that a magnet will press into. Just barely press the magnet into it, then press the upper and lower hull together firmly. This will press the mating magnet into the mounting hole until it stops and can't go further. When you pull the hull apart, the magnet stays in place and you can secure it with epoxy or other adhesive.

Optionally, you can mount one side, snap the mating magnet on it, put a piece of clay on the boat where it needs to be mounted and press the parts together. When you pull them apart, you're left with an indentation in the clay at the perfect height for mounting the magnet. Use calipers to measure the distance from the bottom of the indentation to the mounting surface. Create a filler plate of that height and glue the magnet to it.