how to remove binnacle?

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dedwards

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I've got to remove my binnacle so that I can replace the cockpit floor but am struggling to work out how to do it. I assume I need to disconnect it from the top and have opened it up to reveal semicircular piece attached to the top of the pole in the shaft. Do I need to remove this and if so, how? The binnacle is a late 80s cobra 5r.
Any suggestions gratefully received.
 

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1. Remove the steering linkage from the output arm under the floor.
2. Remove any wires for compass illumination if fitted.
3. Undo the four bolts that hold the binnacle to the floor.
4. Break the seal between the binnacle and floor and by tilting the binnacle in the direction of the output arm remove from boat!
 
Thanks for the info... Based on the exploded diagram, I noticed that to remove the semicircular piece I needed to pull out the 2x pins holding in on but could not work out how to do so (they appear to be hollow so cant unscrew them and as one end is covered by the semicircle I don't seem to be able to push them out.
so, following captain boo's advice I tried attacking from the bottom. Using copious amounts of WD40 I managed to remove the heavily corroded nut holding the steering linkage in place but the linkage itself will not budge at all (funny considering it happily rotates when the wheel is turned). I did however manage to remove all the other bolts so unless anybody has a clever idea for removing the linkage i'll at least be able to install the new floor by cutting it in half and placing it around the steering pipe.
 
I removed my binnacle recently although my one was the not the round type. After undoing the 4 x M10 bolts, linkage morse lever etc it was stuck firm on the sealing compound that was used. I really thought it would rip up the teak deck. I managed to put a rope around it and used the winch to pull it and cut through the sealant with a scalpel before it pealed off.

Any advice on sealing it when putting it back would be good.I would hate to have to take it off again but if I do I would want some sealant that will not cure??
 
alahol2 said:
Butyl tape is the only sealant I know that doesn't cure or dry out.
Click to expand...

Easy to use. It continues spreading for some time after application, so if the face is wide enough, don't put it too near the edge as it will continue to extrude out. Available in differet thicknesses, widths and colours from specialist caravan suppliers. Can readily be trimmed with scissors.
Tip: if the binnacle fasteners are countersunk, put a 'cone' of butyl under the head. It won't leak.
 
dedwards said:
Using copious amounts of WD40 I managed to remove the heavily corroded nut holding the steering linkage in place but the linkage itself will not budge at all (funny considering it happily rotates when the wheel is turned)
Click to expand...
The steering linkage (if it is a rod between the output arm and the rudder tiller arm) should be connected by a 'rose joint'

Rose Joint.jpg

The central part may be siezed onto the pivot pin which is why the steering will still rotate as it is supposed to with the outer part rotating around the ball. Can you remove the other end of the rod linkage from the rudder tiller arm and then unscrew the rod from the rose joint? There should be a locknut securing the rose joint onto the rod.

The only way the binnacle can supposedly be diisassembled is removing it from the boat and grinding the weld away that holds the output arm onto the vertical shaft. This seems a bit drastic but I read on another forum that this is the only way. I'm sure the pins could be driven out if the input pinion is removed. The two pins you mentioned are roll pins hammered through the crown gear and the shaft.
 
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