I recently bought this H26 ('94)and it has all the bells and whistles but there are no stern rails. I would like to install the stern rails w/perch seats. They sent me info from Hunter Marine about cost and installation buy I was wondering if anybody had experience and or advice on this project.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
S
Steve Gautney
It's a great project . . .
I recently retrofit my 1993 Hunter 23.5 with stern rails. The boat looks great with the seats. All you need is a drill, some 5200 adhesive/sealant, and a fair amout of patience. Getting to the bolt-up areas to seal, put on backing washers, and locking nuts took a fair amount of time and working with my hands in places I could not see into. Only issue I've had is with my bimini. When retracted the rods land in the middle of the seats. I will have to move the mounting backward and get a wider frame that goes outside the stern rails. See the photo forum for several pictures of stern rail seats. Mike Thomas at Hunter was great to work with and give advice. Good luck . . .
I recently retrofit my 1993 Hunter 23.5 with stern rails. The boat looks great with the seats. All you need is a drill, some 5200 adhesive/sealant, and a fair amout of patience. Getting to the bolt-up areas to seal, put on backing washers, and locking nuts took a fair amount of time and working with my hands in places I could not see into. Only issue I've had is with my bimini. When retracted the rods land in the middle of the seats. I will have to move the mounting backward and get a wider frame that goes outside the stern rails. See the photo forum for several pictures of stern rail seats. Mike Thomas at Hunter was great to work with and give advice. Good luck . . .
D
Dave Condon
backing plates
I install several on the 26 but it has been some time and my brain is falling apart. Suggest caoulking with 5200. If any bolts through the side of the freeboard, suggest backing plates for strength. Crazy Dave
I install several on the 26 but it has been some time and my brain is falling apart. Suggest caoulking with 5200. If any bolts through the side of the freeboard, suggest backing plates for strength. Crazy Dave
J
John Paoletti
Stern Rails ...
I just finished installing my rails and seats this past weekend. The look great. Totally change the appearance of the boat. Only issue I had were the backing plates. They were a slight bit wider than the under rail space. I had to grind them down slightly to assure a flush fit. Oh, by the way, fastening the washers, lock washers, and nuts takes patience, dexterity, and long skinny arms... All in all, it took about 3 hours start to finish. One more thing, you may need to shorten your life lines. I needed to on my 23.5 Enjoy
I just finished installing my rails and seats this past weekend. The look great. Totally change the appearance of the boat. Only issue I had were the backing plates. They were a slight bit wider than the under rail space. I had to grind them down slightly to assure a flush fit. Oh, by the way, fastening the washers, lock washers, and nuts takes patience, dexterity, and long skinny arms... All in all, it took about 3 hours start to finish. One more thing, you may need to shorten your life lines. I needed to on my 23.5 Enjoy
S
Steve Sims
Let me know if it works
I checked with my local dealer, I also have a 94 H26 and he advised that if the spaces were filled with foam it wasn't possible. Let me know how yours works out.
I checked with my local dealer, I also have a 94 H26 and he advised that if the spaces were filled with foam it wasn't possible. Let me know how yours works out.
S
Steve
DID IT
Did ours in 95 when they first came available. There are glassed AL plates in the areas of all supports, you will have to drill and tap with the size ss bolt that makes sense. Have the bolts long enough to pass through, this way, any exposed & accesable in the stern can be backed and nutted as an addtional safety margin, some you just won't be able to, the furthest to the stern-yes. Also, a second person to help hold as you mark, and bolt is useful to prevent digs in the gel coat etc.. Good luck... Steve
Did ours in 95 when they first came available. There are glassed AL plates in the areas of all supports, you will have to drill and tap with the size ss bolt that makes sense. Have the bolts long enough to pass through, this way, any exposed & accesable in the stern can be backed and nutted as an addtional safety margin, some you just won't be able to, the furthest to the stern-yes. Also, a second person to help hold as you mark, and bolt is useful to prevent digs in the gel coat etc.. Good luck... Steve
G
Gary Bridi
D
Dennis Brewer
Drill size
I put the stern rails on my 95, H26. The only problem came with the instructions that came with the seats and hardware. They suggested a drill size that was smaller than the one that came with the tap. I had the smaller drill and tried using it. Consequently, I have one hole with a broken tap in it. If you use the drill that comes with the tap, there should be no problem. I phoned Hunter and advised them of the problem, so they may have changed the instructions by now. Good luck.
I put the stern rails on my 95, H26. The only problem came with the instructions that came with the seats and hardware. They suggested a drill size that was smaller than the one that came with the tap. I had the smaller drill and tried using it. Consequently, I have one hole with a broken tap in it. If you use the drill that comes with the tap, there should be no problem. I phoned Hunter and advised them of the problem, so they may have changed the instructions by now. Good luck.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.