Fixing stanchions to their mountings

[lukecsmith]

Hi all, my stanchions need properly fixing to their mountings. My boat was, like many others, a series of bodge jobs that Ive discovered and fixed. Just when you think youve found most of them - you come across another. The latest discovery is that the stanchions arent properly fixed on and can be quite easily pulled out. Im just wondering how other stanchions are mounted on? Im thinking about drilling through both sides of the stanchion and the mounting, and just sticking a correctly sized bolt through all of it, in one side and out the other. Im thinking this would be stronger than just screwing in through one side and into the stanchion pole itself. Its not exactly an elegant solution though. Any advice on how this should be done would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Tranona]

Drilling right through is common and then you can either use a bolt and locknut or a split pin.

 

[oldsaltoz]

Fixing the upright in a solid manner may increase the damage if it ever comes under load, and it will at some time.

A simple single will fail without damaging the base or it's seal.

Your choice.

Good luck and fair winds.

 

[Talulah]

Im thinking this would be stronger than just screwing in through one side and into the stanchion pole itself. Its not exactly an elegant solution though. Any advice on how this should be done would be greatly appreciated.

The problem with drilling right through is that it significantly weakens the stanchion.
People push against the top of the stanchion and they tend to buckle around the bolt hole.
Ours are drilled one side only. The stanchion is tapped. The base has a corresponding hole for the short bolt to enter.

 

[lukecsmith]

Drilling right through is common and then you can either use a bolt and locknut or a split pin.

Thanks yes sounds like the easiest thing to do.

 

[lukecsmith]

Oldsaltoz and talula, thanks. Im slightly confused with what Ive got because the mountings have a small hole drilled in them, but the stanchions have a much larger hole in them. Im wondering if previously there was a small bolt screwed in, that didnt really secure the stanchion completely, but just stopped it from coming out of the mounting.

Anyway Im probably worrying too much - I'll stick a small bolt in and see how that works. Ta for input.

 

[30boat]

Mine have a split pin.I don't think that at that location a small drilling significantly weakens the stanchion because the base provides ample support.

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Mine have a split pin.I don't think that at that location a small drilling significantly weakens the stanchion because the base provides ample support.

ditto.
Both of my boats have had same. I've just changed mine for split pins. The holes do not have to be large, but if the hole in the stanchion is slightly bigger than the hole through the base, then location of pin or bolt will be a bit easier. Make the hole in the stanchion too big and the stanchion may wobble a bit.
Don't have a long end of either bolt or pin sticking out, or you can bet your bottom dollar that one day a sheet will get caught around it when you least want it to.

 

[rob2]

This is a bit of a dilemma! If the stanchions can lift out to avoid damage in a collision, then they will also lift out when your crew fall against the rails - so you might as well take them off. No, I'm not suggesting you do that - just pointing out that unless secure they are useless. Crew levering themselves aboard by the stanchions is one of the few things I consider justifies shouting at them! Sadlt it's usually the fattest and least nimble who do it.

Rob

 

[Caer Urfa]

Any advice on how this should be done would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Luke

As many have already said people just love pulling or pushing your boat using the handrail stantion, I refitted mine with bolts 'right through' the Bulwark wood top and GRP.

However to further strengthen the base and give better support I also purchased some 'U' shaped SS fittings from the local swindelry and using the stantion base locking screw fitted them as shown, note the horizontal bottom screw through the wood side is 1 1/2" long, not 100% foolproof but has made a big differance.

Food for thought !

Mike