Bending stanchions

[theglo]

Hi all,

My bow pulpit stanchions (can't think of easy correct term at moment) were bent after Hurricane Irma. I planned to remove these to straighten them on a hydraulic press but the nuts under the deck and fiberglassed over.

Any tips on how one might rebend stainless stanchions while they are on the boat???

Thanks!

[geoleo]

Originally Posted by theglo

Hi all,

My bow pulpit stanchions (can't think of easy correct term at moment) were bent after Hurricane Irma. I planned to remove these to straighten them on a hydraulic press but the nuts under the deck and fiberglassed over.

Any tips on how one might rebend stainless stanchions while they are on the boat???

Thanks!

Porta power hydraulic jacks which can be rented---try Home Depot

[John_Trusty]

A little heat goes a long way in molding metal. Be careful that you don't destroy the stainless finish, or get close to your gelcoat, with a propane torch. Just heat the area to be bent a little (20 or 30 degrees F) to help it along.

[thinwater]

And make a wooden saddle that matches the radius of the tube to prevent kinking and dents. Finally, sometimes it is safer to stop short of perfect, if it doesn't show too much.

[Blue Stocking]

Cut 3 4" square blocks out of 2" x 4", drill stanchion size holes in centre of 4x4 face. Saw across blocks to divide hole in 2 semicircles, after drilling thru on 2" face a pair of holes for 1/4 " thru bolts. Bolt these above, on, and below the damaged area.
Screw a strongback to the outer 2, and use a strong clamp to pull the centre back in line. It's not going to be easy, so make substantial fittings. Good luck.

[Terra Nova]

Remove it for repair, even if you have to remove some fiberglass.

[Dusty Mac]

I would think you would want to remove it as it will need to be resealed at the deck if hit that hard.

[hugosalt]

What dusty said...or at very least make sure you reseal at deck.
My yard "rearragned" my bow pulpit just a little bit years ago
and by the time I realized it was leaking had to replace
some woodwork below.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Dusty Mac

I would think you would want to remove it as it will need to be resealed at the deck if hit that hard.

Maybe.

And maybe it is in solid glass. If so, it can't leak. In fact, that is the only acceptable reason for glassing over the the nuts.

He should check for core.

[Suijin]

I doubt it's under solid glass. That would just be stupid on the part of the builder. More likely there is some tabbing that overlaps the bolts.

When recently refitting my deck I had some tabbing that overlapped a couple of bolts. I used a Fein tool and neatly cut away the tabbing over the bolts/nuts.

I agree that if it's bent enough to require straightening there is a good chance that the bedding is separated and should be renewed. On a 1983 boat it's probably time to start rebedding stuff anyway.

[Cheechako]

If the nuts are glassed in you may be able to just thread the screws out as the glass holds the nut for you. Worst case scenario is use a small hole saw underdeck to remove the glass at the nut that is turning.
Dont heat SS enough to make it pliable. That will make it rust readily.

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by thinwater

...maybe it is in solid glass. If so, it can't leak...

Come on! You don't want water in your laminate.

[donradcliffe]

It would be time to haul out the dremel tool with a nice tapered grinder bit and remove the glass around each nut. Easy to do, and now you have the ability to easily remove and reinstall the pulpit.