I have a 1997 240 that was originally without stern rails. I have purchased some to fit from Hunter and I have been told that I should fit the new version on my 'older' boat. There are 4 flanges that fix the rails to the boat. The rear flanges and the one in the middle you can see where the bolts will appear inside the boat but the front flange seems to come out in an arear where there is no access. Has anyone out there fitted these rails and if so can you offer me any advice? Doug@dnowell.freeserve.co.uk
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TOMMY MCNAMARA
RAILS
I believe that if there is access they use through bolts.Where there is no access there is a backing plate fiberglassed into the hull [I hope].HOWEVER,if it is a corner or 90 degree application, I would attempt to secure it with S/S screws,but make sure you use bedding compound cause I have a new boat[99] and a few of the stanchions leak [EDDIE]or the dealer.
I believe that if there is access they use through bolts.Where there is no access there is a backing plate fiberglassed into the hull [I hope].HOWEVER,if it is a corner or 90 degree application, I would attempt to secure it with S/S screws,but make sure you use bedding compound cause I have a new boat[99] and a few of the stanchions leak [EDDIE]or the dealer.
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Doug Nowell
Thanks Tommy
Thanks for the advice - the problem is that the rails I am fitting were not those supplied when my boat was new so it is extremely unlikely that there will be backing plates laminated into the deck where I cannot get access
Thanks for the advice - the problem is that the rails I am fitting were not those supplied when my boat was new so it is extremely unlikely that there will be backing plates laminated into the deck where I cannot get access
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Rick Webb
I Just Did Them on My 23.5
Sounds like they install the same way. If my boat had been made 90 hulls later it would have been made with backing plates in the hull for the seats as it is I had to bolt the plates in myself. The instructions that came with the rails were pretty good about explaining all of that. Did you get instructions with yours? When I get more than a few minutes I am going to share my experience with the installation. Quickly what I will share is I needed longer screws than what was called for to get the nuts started on the forward two flanges and to find out if there are backing plates inlaid in the glass drill a smaller hole and look for the metal shavings.
Sounds like they install the same way. If my boat had been made 90 hulls later it would have been made with backing plates in the hull for the seats as it is I had to bolt the plates in myself. The instructions that came with the rails were pretty good about explaining all of that. Did you get instructions with yours? When I get more than a few minutes I am going to share my experience with the installation. Quickly what I will share is I needed longer screws than what was called for to get the nuts started on the forward two flanges and to find out if there are backing plates inlaid in the glass drill a smaller hole and look for the metal shavings.
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Steven Gautney
"See" with your fingers . . .
During my installation (23.5) there were places I managed to get backing plates and nuts that I could not possibly see into. My point is that, if you are patient, do not mind being in tight spaces, and can creatively contort your hands and tools this is a great project! My sternrails have backing plates on every screw. PS: I'm glad to hear Rick is getting stern rails.
During my installation (23.5) there were places I managed to get backing plates and nuts that I could not possibly see into. My point is that, if you are patient, do not mind being in tight spaces, and can creatively contort your hands and tools this is a great project! My sternrails have backing plates on every screw. PS: I'm glad to hear Rick is getting stern rails.
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Doug Nowell
Rick
Rick, I got instructions in terms of a single sheet of paper that assumes the backing plates are laminated into the deck! I've been in touch with Hunter who say that I need to cut a hole in the inside lining and remove some floatation foam to get access to the deck where the rails bolt on. Sounds ok - but no instructions!
Rick, I got instructions in terms of a single sheet of paper that assumes the backing plates are laminated into the deck! I've been in touch with Hunter who say that I need to cut a hole in the inside lining and remove some floatation foam to get access to the deck where the rails bolt on. Sounds ok - but no instructions!
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Rick Webb
I am Confused
Assuming that the backing plates are there all you need to do is drill and tap them. No need to get behind the backing plates if that can be done.
Assuming that the backing plates are there all you need to do is drill and tap them. No need to get behind the backing plates if that can be done.
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Doug Nowell
Confusion cured!
The backing plates are not there! The boat I have was not designed to take the current style of stern rails. The original rails were found to cause cracking where they are attached. Therefore I have to place backing plates where needed - hense the problems gaining access!
The backing plates are not there! The boat I have was not designed to take the current style of stern rails. The original rails were found to cause cracking where they are attached. Therefore I have to place backing plates where needed - hense the problems gaining access!
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