At the risk of getting off on a tangent, is there an accepted method of accessing the stanchion bolts and then covering up the surgery (ovbiously not permanently)? I researched this years ago when I was first contemplating getting an O'day and there were lots of images around. Can't seem to find any today. While mine are exceptionally dry given the vessel's age, they have never been done and I need to get started.
On my O’Day 322, I can get to the stanchion bolts up under the hull/deck lip. Follow the hull interior up right against the interior wall and see if you can feel the bolts under there. You will need a socket and extension (maybe 2 different lengths) to get on the nuts. In some cases, I needed an articulating knuckle to allow me to get in there. Lots of skinned knuckles and swearing.
Also, you need a way to hold the bolts from turning. I bought 4 pairs of vice grips, and I clamp on to all 4 bolts from the outside, then go inside and start trying to reach the nuts.
Getting them back together is even more fun, since are operating pretty much in the blind, trying to get the backing plate (at least mine has backing plates) back over the 4 bolts, hold it in place while trying to get at least one nut started to hold the plate up…always a lot of fun.
But it can be done with some perseverance. If you have a friend to hold the bolts…that works too, but they will quickly get bored waiting for you to get the nuts off or on…better provide some libations.
Greg