Loose Pedestal Guard

[RHB]

2007 Hunter 38. Anyone having issues with a loose pedestal guard? The base is snug (at the deck) with no issues. It is only the upper portion where the Chartplotter NavPod is mounted. This upper portion (in the general shape of an inverted U for reference) is fit inside of the 2 tubes at the base portion (at the cockpit table height) and held in place with single set screws on each tube. The upper portion rocks forward / aft with approx. 1/4" play.

It would appear that some sort of reducing collar along with the set screws would be appropriate, but the tolerance of the fit of smaller tubes into the lower larger tubes is too tight for a collar - it would also require a full dismantle to install a collar. The other thought was adding another set screw above the existing set screw, but I am concerned about drilling through 2 tubes (along with the fact that its a wire chase). The last thought was to somehow dimple the tubes at the existing set screws, but I am not sure how to do this other than replacing the phillips head set screw with a similarly threaded hex head bolt and torquing down (which is concerning for me).

Any suggestions welcome. Thanks in advance.

 

[H30Gary]

I've used UHMW polyethylene tape with an adhesive backing to shim similar mating parts to eliminate wobble. The stuff is strong and slippery - apply a layer or two on the inner tube top and bottom to shim the gap between the inner tube and the outer tube. Test the fit - add more layers until the parts fit together snugly - that should eliminate the play. You can get UHMW tape on-line from McMaster-Carr.

THis of course assumes you can separate the upper tube from the lower. If you can't or don't want to do this, then another option would be to pop rivet the tubes together at a location well away axially from the set screw. This would be harder to disassemble - you'd have to drill out the pop rivet - but I think is doable. If you use a drill stop and drill very carefully, I think you could make the hole for the pop rivets without damaging the wires inside. Use a #11 drill bit for a 3/16" pop rivet - gives a bit more clearance than a 3/16" bit so you don't have to force the rivet into the hole.

An alternative to the pop rivet would be a short sheet metal screw. Once installed, remove the screw and file down the end so there is not a sharp point that could abrade your wires, then reinstall the screw. The screw would have the advantage that it is more easily removed than the pop rivet.

Many possibilities I think.
Gary

 

[seadaddler]

2

On my 2007 H-36 I am pretty sure I have 2 set screws one top and bottom where the tubes connect.
I am not 100% but maybe 99% sure and pretty sure this is what holds mine so tight I use it to grab onto and so does guest do too.