Re-bedding deck hardware

[dmksails]

I will be returning to my Tashiba-31 soon and the first project on my list is to find and repair a leak on the port side. This appears to be in the area of the stanchion or fuel intake.

The stanchion has 4 bolts with the tops being countersunk Philips heads and the bottom secured with nuts.

I'm going to be working alone on this - any suggestions on how to remove these bolts when I can't be both on deck and below at the same time?

[SVTatia]

I can recommend how to remove, but to re-install you'll prolly need a helper.
Get a small vise grip, grip it to the nut below and turn/jam it against something that would stop it from further turning. Go back on deck and unscrew the bolt with a screw driver, carefully not to turn the wrong way and dislodge the vise-grip.

[Suijin]

Originally Posted by SVTatia

I can recommend how to remove, but to re-install you'll prolly need a helper.
Get a small vise grip, grip it to the nut below and turn/jam it against something that would stop it from further turning. Go back on deck and unscrew the bolt with a screw driver, carefully not to turn the wrong way and dislodge the vise-grip.

This is what I would do. That said, if this is an 80's era boat there is a chance the stanchions were bedded with 5200. In that case you can just get the nuts off from below with a ratchet, then get the bolts out from the deck with an impact driver.

Your fuel intake is probably through-bolted as well, if only to put a ground wire on it from below. I like through bolting deckfills, particularly fuel, where lateral pressure on it from the nozzle (and spilled fuel) can eventually break the bedding seal. FYI butyl rubber is not chemical resistant. Use a chemical resistant caulk for the fuel fill, like 4000.

[_andi_]

There's plenty of ways to lock a spanner/socket onto something, tape, super glue, rubber bands, ... (in case you've got no vise grips handy). Something to lengthen it so it catches somewhere (winch handle, broom, boat hook, ...) and you're set.