Just a follow-up to a previous thread on a Catalina 28 stanchion failure and subsequent replacement.
Having had two stanchion failures whilst on the hard over the winter I also decided to check on the stanchions on the other side of the boat one of which had always leaked whenever we`d get real heavy weather. Having worked out how to actually get the stanchions off ( 4 inch x 1 1/2 inch slots cut into the inner cabin moulding ) the next challenge was to ensure that thereafter there woudn`t be water ingress. Both of the other two stanchions opposite were found to be damaged, although the large holding bolt hadn`t broken ( as per the other side ) the main holding bolts were both bent, with the single stanchion ( as opposed to the gate stanchion ) also badly bent towards the base.
For what it`s worth to any 28 owner who has to tackle this problem here`s what I found to be the best method of re-bedding them in.
The holes in the deck need to be carefully chamferred ( various sizes of round file ) with the larger bolt hole getting a generous chamfer.
Prior to bolting down with the stanchion in hand off the boat ------take a couple of turns of butyl tape around the top of the large bolt where it meets the baseplate. Then introduce the smaller bolts to the baseplate and generously wrap PTFE tape ( plumbers tape ) under each head and again around the shank of the bolt as it protrudes through the plate, such that the tape forms a good strong " o " ring, with a larger amount below the plate ( which then " beds " into the chamfer of the holes in the deck )
Offer the stanchion to the deck and proceed to introduce the baseplate plus bolts into place, gradually tightening bolts in sequence from inside the boat ( with the two smaller bolts it is necessary to have an extra pair of hands on deck to stop the bolts from turning when tightening from down below )
Following this procedure I have had 100% success ( having hosed down the stanchions therafter for a good five minutes or more, followed by several days bedding in and then repeating the hose treatment )
The big cosmetic issue is having to cut slots to get access to the main bolt, but in retrospect, any visual downside is way offset by the fact I now know that shouild there ever be a need to do it all again it will not be any great problem. Of course the two gate stanchion access slots are inside cupboards anyway ( heads plus galley ) so it`s only the single stanchion slots which are noticeable which in itself is offset by a wooden facia strip.
Photos available should any 28 owners be interested.
Replacement stanchions where necessary obtained from " catalinadirect " who couldn`t have been more helpful ( shipped to the UK via US Posal Service ---- on which subsequent import duties were then due )
It`s been a long story ----- but with a happy ending !
Having had two stanchion failures whilst on the hard over the winter I also decided to check on the stanchions on the other side of the boat one of which had always leaked whenever we`d get real heavy weather. Having worked out how to actually get the stanchions off ( 4 inch x 1 1/2 inch slots cut into the inner cabin moulding ) the next challenge was to ensure that thereafter there woudn`t be water ingress. Both of the other two stanchions opposite were found to be damaged, although the large holding bolt hadn`t broken ( as per the other side ) the main holding bolts were both bent, with the single stanchion ( as opposed to the gate stanchion ) also badly bent towards the base.
For what it`s worth to any 28 owner who has to tackle this problem here`s what I found to be the best method of re-bedding them in.
The holes in the deck need to be carefully chamferred ( various sizes of round file ) with the larger bolt hole getting a generous chamfer.
Prior to bolting down with the stanchion in hand off the boat ------take a couple of turns of butyl tape around the top of the large bolt where it meets the baseplate. Then introduce the smaller bolts to the baseplate and generously wrap PTFE tape ( plumbers tape ) under each head and again around the shank of the bolt as it protrudes through the plate, such that the tape forms a good strong " o " ring, with a larger amount below the plate ( which then " beds " into the chamfer of the holes in the deck )
Offer the stanchion to the deck and proceed to introduce the baseplate plus bolts into place, gradually tightening bolts in sequence from inside the boat ( with the two smaller bolts it is necessary to have an extra pair of hands on deck to stop the bolts from turning when tightening from down below )
Following this procedure I have had 100% success ( having hosed down the stanchions therafter for a good five minutes or more, followed by several days bedding in and then repeating the hose treatment )
The big cosmetic issue is having to cut slots to get access to the main bolt, but in retrospect, any visual downside is way offset by the fact I now know that shouild there ever be a need to do it all again it will not be any great problem. Of course the two gate stanchion access slots are inside cupboards anyway ( heads plus galley ) so it`s only the single stanchion slots which are noticeable which in itself is offset by a wooden facia strip.
Photos available should any 28 owners be interested.
Replacement stanchions where necessary obtained from " catalinadirect " who couldn`t have been more helpful ( shipped to the UK via US Posal Service ---- on which subsequent import duties were then due )
It`s been a long story ----- but with a happy ending !