Bow Rail 25.5 Hunter

[JKCMBOAT]

Perhaps I am referring to this as the incorrect name? Nonetheless, the bow rail on my Hunter 25.5 is broken at the weld seam which connects the vertical front post to the horizontal section. The previous owner took the name of the dock area 'touch and go' literal. The base plate 'cylinder' which connects this vertical post at the bottom is bent as well. My plan is to remove the plate and using a gas torch (not at the yard!) and a piece of pipe heat the cylinder up and slowly work it back in line. Now the rail. Using a rubber faced mallet and some elbow grease I plan to work the rail back in line and not damage it. Does anyone in the Chicago area know of a shop that could replace and tig weld this center post back together and not charge me an arm and a leg? A shop that will do a smaller job like this?

On a side note, does anyone know where I could purchase a used one of these? Perhaps that is a better approach? I got a price for a new one and it is out of my budget.

Thanks,

Joe

 

[Steve Dion]

Joe:

I would suggest that you just contact a welding shop in the area. You will probably not like the price for a new "Bow Pulpit". I would not be suprised to see a price of $1,000-1,500.

When they weld the S.S. it normally needs to be buffed out to remove the carbon from the welding. If you do the buffing yourself, it should not be very expensive. I would guess you are only looking at $50-$100 for the repair plus buffing.

PS: Bring a nice $100 bill with you. You may be happy of the outcome.

 

[JKCMBOAT]

Photos for Warren...

 

[Barnacle Bill]

A welding shop that specializes in tube work can reweld, or take out a bad portion and weld in a new portion, etc. The price will depend on how long the job takes, but it is eay for those set up for such tasks.