Leaking Stanchion on 320

[kwilson1033]

I recently purchased a 320 (#009) and the port stanchion was pushed in and was leaking. I bought a new stanchion and had a rigger mounting it. During the season people on the dock would occasionally push on the stanchion to hold or move the boat off the dock. When I returned from my trip I found that the foot of the stanchion was bent which had allowed the stanchion to pull away from the mounting hole. It looked much like the stanchion looked before I had it changed. The rigger put a below deck backing plate when mounting the stanchion but in both cases it seemed like the nut might not have tighten enough. I am now finding that the stanchion hole is leaking.

Has anyone had any experience with this issue? I am looking for any idea of how to tighten the nut. It is jammed up in a spot that is difficult to reach and get a hold of the nut.

Ken

 

[NC-C320]

Ken,

Go to the Catalina320.org site and join their discussion list. You do not have to be a member to join. I have not had a problem with stanchion leaks thusfar, but others on the list have. They are a helpful group. Even better, for $24/year, become a member. One benefit is that they have a tool loan program for some of the special items that one might eventually need. They are a really good group source to get information regarding all aspects of the C-320.

 

[Jon_E]

...During the season people on the dock would occasionally push on the stanchion to hold or move the boat off the dock...

That drives me nuts as well. I tell people all the time around my dock to grab the boat by the deck, not the stanchion. If grabbing the stanchion, at least grab it down near the deck by the mounts, not up top near the lifelines. It isn't just land lubbers that do it, but boat owners too!

A stanchion - regardless of how it is mounted or designed - simply cannot be used to to alter the movement of an object weighing several tons; the kinetic energy is too great.

</end of rant>

 

[Stu Jackson]

I agree with the rant. Once went into a fuel dock and three guys grabbed three different stanchions to move our boat forward about five feet!!! I was strongly suggesting to them that they get their hands off!!! My wife was aghast. I suggested to all that they come with me when I had to rebed them! Access to most stanchions is poor at best.

Here's the way to rebed them: http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=117172

 

[Nom De Guerre]

I agree with the rant. Once went into a fuel dock and three guys grabbed three different stanchions to move our boat forward about five feet!!! I was strongly suggesting to them that they get their hands off!!! My wife was aghast. I suggested to all that they come with me when I had to rebed them! Access to most stanchions is poor at best.

Here's the way to rebed them: http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=117172

Stu, was your wife aghast at their ignorance, or your reaction?



I find that power-boaters are the worst offenders, probably because the rail assemblies on their boats are better able to handle those stresses, and 'that's just how we do it, it's fine...'.

 

[topcat0399]

Lucky me has this very thing on the spring project list first thing.
My 40 year old stanchions are leaking and I have saturated deck cores.

When dealing with a fairly large floating object under sometimes precarious conditions;
I think it only natural for an excited human to make a grab at that ever so convenient solid looking handle right there in front of their face. Even the skipper...don't mean to just happens at times.

So; might as well might as well plan for it.

As I replace these cores my plan is to do some reinforcing and seriously mount those suckers. Able to fully support the weight of a large person. I don't expect it to be difficult to accomplish.

That way "I" will feel confidence grabbing hold when I need to and, I now can thank the altruistic neanderthal lubbers instead of reprimanding or being resentful.

If they don't hold up - I'll fix 'em again but I expect them to outlast me.


fair winds

 

[Cherie320]

Kwilson - Stanchions tend to work over time, so it is not surprising that you have one that needs attention. On the 320, the stanchion mounting hardware is difficult to access and often requires the removal of part of the liner to get a socket on it. Often you are working blind. But not to worry, since all of the hardware on hull #009 likely needs to be removed and bedded, you willl get good at this maintenance task. And every time you do one, the boat will feel younger, dryer, and faster.....that is if you don't throw all of your tools overboard in the process. Access the Catalina 320 International site and find the link to searching the forum. Then search on stanchion, bedding, and leaks. You will likely find some help on those posts. You should join - we are a great group. Also, the link provided by Stu above on how to do it will take you to Mainsail's info. You will find his information quite informative. Good Luck with your new toy. Pat