I appreciate all of the replies to my recently posted question(s) concerning the addition of Stern Rail Seats to my 1994 H-26. In addition to this thread - I've been reading through the archives on this subject as well. I've talked to Mike Thomas at Hunter Parts - he was very friendly and helpful. What he said was that around Hull # 250 or so - Hunter started glassing in backing plates to which you drill and tap threads to attach the stern rail seats. On older boats like Grasshopper II - they ship backing plates for the areas accessible in the transom ... but for the other areas where the forward legs attach - I believe they use some sort of Molly Bolts to affix the leg to the hull. I was assured by both Mike and an installer here in St. Louis that this was acceptable (in fact the installer here said that the Molly bolt solution was superior to the drill & tap since it eliminated the possibliity of breaking off the tap in the hole.) Opinions? Is the Molly Bolt solution as strong as backing plates all around? If not - is it strong enough? Can a backing plate be placed where the Molly Bolts are intended? Has any one done an installation as I described (using the Molly Bolts)? Thanks all! Tom Grass Grasshopper II H-26 #174 Lake Carlyle, Illinois (St. Louis
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I would be comfortable with the Moly Bolt...
With several moly bolts holding the the leg base, I think you have plenty of strength and the load is distributed pretty well between the base flange and the moly bolt fingers. However, if you really wanted access to the forward leg area, it might be possible to cut through the coming from the cockpit side and fill the hole with a storage compartment. I think you can find pre made teak or plastic parts that could be used. Fair winds, Tom
With several moly bolts holding the the leg base, I think you have plenty of strength and the load is distributed pretty well between the base flange and the moly bolt fingers. However, if you really wanted access to the forward leg area, it might be possible to cut through the coming from the cockpit side and fill the hole with a storage compartment. I think you can find pre made teak or plastic parts that could be used. Fair winds, Tom
My seats ...
... attached at 2 points on to the lower taffrail and a short leg fastened to the seat rested on the coming. It has a rubber cup on the leg. That set up worked fine for the port side, but it interferred with the lazarette on the starboard. I got a short piece (3") of stainless railing tubing from a custom bimini shop (from the trash can) and a stanchion foot from West Marine (a 60 degree) and relocated the leg just outside the coming. Works great. Most of the load is on the taffrail.
... attached at 2 points on to the lower taffrail and a short leg fastened to the seat rested on the coming. It has a rubber cup on the leg. That set up worked fine for the port side, but it interferred with the lazarette on the starboard. I got a short piece (3") of stainless railing tubing from a custom bimini shop (from the trash can) and a stanchion foot from West Marine (a 60 degree) and relocated the leg just outside the coming. Works great. Most of the load is on the taffrail.
Bimini
ONE Final (yeah - right!!!) question regarding the SRS (stern rail seats) on the H-26 - what about the Bimini? Have others had to relocate the Bimini when the SRS are installed? Is this a concern? Thanks! Tom Grass H-26 #174 Grasshopper II
ONE Final (yeah - right!!!) question regarding the SRS (stern rail seats) on the H-26 - what about the Bimini? Have others had to relocate the Bimini when the SRS are installed? Is this a concern? Thanks! Tom Grass H-26 #174 Grasshopper II
No
My stern seats were there when I got the boat -- and I added the bimini. Works just fine together. I have an Ameriseam bimini -- they have one made for the H26.
My stern seats were there when I got the boat -- and I added the bimini. Works just fine together. I have an Ameriseam bimini -- they have one made for the H26.
Bimini and stern rail seats
Tom, we had to add a post that went from the side of the boat vertical to the bimini to keep the bimini frame off the seats when laying flat. Without it the frame would lay across the seats making it almost impossible to sit it one unless you were real small. Paul H S/V Linda Belle 95 H26
Tom, we had to add a post that went from the side of the boat vertical to the bimini to keep the bimini frame off the seats when laying flat. Without it the frame would lay across the seats making it almost impossible to sit it one unless you were real small. Paul H S/V Linda Belle 95 H26
Picture requested
Any chance of a picture of that vertical post to keep the bimini off of the stern rail seats. I have the problem of a big butt and the bimini taking up too much SRS seat... I can't picture how the bimini being held up off the seat wouldn't get in the way of the boom. Many thanks.
Any chance of a picture of that vertical post to keep the bimini off of the stern rail seats. I have the problem of a big butt and the bimini taking up too much SRS seat... I can't picture how the bimini being held up off the seat wouldn't get in the way of the boom. Many thanks.
Go to
Go to the Boat info - Model info section of this site. Select the 26. In the bottom right hand corner is a listing containing an excellent set of pictures of one of the owners Bimini addition.
Go to the Boat info - Model info section of this site. Select the 26. In the bottom right hand corner is a listing containing an excellent set of pictures of one of the owners Bimini addition.
Hey Rich!!
The posts themselves are only about 12-18 inches high. They fasten about four or five inches away from where the bimini fastens to the rail of your boat. They go on the rear frame arm that is closest to your stern rail seats. The closer the posts are to the pivot of the bimini the higher the rear edge of the frame sits.The only time the bimini runs into the boom is when you swing the front edge over from being folded up. I leave the bimini up all the time usually. Keeps the cockpit cleaner. Paul H S/V Linda Belle 95 H26
The posts themselves are only about 12-18 inches high. They fasten about four or five inches away from where the bimini fastens to the rail of your boat. They go on the rear frame arm that is closest to your stern rail seats. The closer the posts are to the pivot of the bimini the higher the rear edge of the frame sits.The only time the bimini runs into the boom is when you swing the front edge over from being folded up. I leave the bimini up all the time usually. Keeps the cockpit cleaner. Paul H S/V Linda Belle 95 H26
Bimini picture
Hi -- I have converted to stern seats and could a picture of how to make the bimini work, any chance you could e-mail me a picture? Thanks
Hi -- I have converted to stern seats and could a picture of how to make the bimini work, any chance you could e-mail me a picture? Thanks
Stern Rail Seats
Is this what you are looking for? http://www.sailboatowners.com/album/display.tpl?fno=0
Is this what you are looking for? http://www.sailboatowners.com/album/display.tpl?fno=0
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