stanchion bases

[Jim Malloy]

I had to remove and replace one of the lifeline stanchion bases on my O'Day 31 this weekend. While unscrewing the four bolts, there were no nuts or any threading that the bolts were screwed into, they are machine bolts that look like there should be a nut on the end of. One of the bolts appears to be stripped also (it just kept turning...), while the other 3 went back in ok. Does anybody know how these are set in the deck? Were there supposed to be nuts or a plate underneath? Is there any material safe to use to "lock" the one bolt in place? Any info. would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Peter Brennan]

O'Day stanchions

We have an O'Day 37 with a couple of bent stanchions. They are impossible to remove and replace. While the pulpit and aft railing stanchions are accessible from inside the boat (they have backing plates) the stanchions for the lifelines appear to be glassed in from below and totally inaccessible without tearing up the boat. The next owner will get a boat with bent stanchions.Sorry. Doesn't help you much.

 

[Jim Cook]

Backing plates accessable (but difficult)

My 1974 O27 has backing plates on all stanchions. They are difficult to reach but accessable with a deep-set socket and a long extension on a ratchet. A nut goes on the bottom of the plate, through which the bolt passes. Someone must hold the nut while you trun the bolt from above (or vice-versa... you hold the bolt while someone tightens the nut).Sincerely, JimC

 

[Mike]

Torture

I recently had to replace a stanchion on my O'Day 27 and it was torture. Two bolts are behind a fiberglass piece of trim and are impossible to reach. Don't ask me how I got the base out (I pulled those two nuts through the deck, caulked up the holes and scewed in the new stanchion with two bolts! Doesn't sound good, but it looks OK and its holding so far.