Handholds on Hunter 216

[Captain Paul]

The cockpit handholds on my 2008 Hunter 216 are turning yellow and cracking at the corners.
I having trouble removing the old ones to replace them. Anyone have any experience or advice on this?

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

@Captain Paul
Take photos and post them sir. There are several of us who can advise.

 

[Captain Paul]

@Captain Paul
Take photos and post them sir. There are several of us who can advise.

Here is a photo of the original as installed and two views of a replacement. I have removed the screws and I can't budge the original.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

not hunter supplied or installed. Look on the inside of the boat to see if they are nut and bolted in. If you can take them off and no cracks, use acetone to clean up with but not while installed on boat as it will affect the deck plastic material badly. Report back sir.

 

[Jackdaw]

The PO used something more than silicon to waterproof. Was probably worried (reasonable) about the load on the screws.

 

[chuckwayne]

the handholds are an off the shelf part (forespar) and Hunter did list them as an option - my 216 has them from the factory and they came right out. I agree with Jackdaw, the PO probably put them in with something much stronger. Get some heavy monofilament and a couple of dowels and make a cable saw, then try sawing around the handle between the hull and the plastic handle. You should be able to cut through whatever he put in - this works on 5200 - and then pry the handle out

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Chuckwayne you proved me wrong on the hand holds which were probably installed long after introducing that boat. I learned something today but still suggest he look on the inside to see if there is a backing plate of sorts

 

[chuckwayne]

I would never try to prove you wrong, Dave! things change all the time in this industry...
Mine were installed with sheet metal screws and what looks like silicone caulk. I know they were factory because the PO gave me a copy of the original order form from Hunter.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

My friend I never questioned you as you are always right on. Remember, I am an old fart loosing some brain cells daily which is why my nickname is appropriate, Crazy Dave. Just make sure you never pull a crazy dave.

 

[Joe]

Chuckwayne you proved me wrong on the hand holds which were probably installed long after introducing that boat. I learned something today but still suggest he look on the inside to see if there is a backing plate of sorts

He did mention that the screws had been removed....and that the handholds appear bonded to the surrounding surface. The cable saw solution may work. Another might be a multi tool with the scraper blade to get between the two surfaces.