Stanchion repair or replace?

[fc3]

Cell phone camera, so the quality stinks. The weld is actually shiny, since he welded stainless with stainless, but it doesn't look it here. On the other hand, it's not a nice clean bead. He said he could lay down a good bead, but with the wind and the cold and not wanting to overheat the 'glass this is what I got. Next time, I'll wait for a less windy day when so the shield gas doesn't blow away so easily. Still it'll clean up nicely if I can only remember to bring the darned dremel and metal working tips with me!

Best regards,
Frank

 

[rcknecht]

Frank,

I think, although it does not look as clean the original tack welded job, it is probably much stronger... I used to weld many years ago, and always found welding stainless the easiest welding... Whenever I wanted to have a weld the looked good, I would use a stainless steel welding rod... I wonder if the heat from the welding caused any deterioration of sealing of the bolts, for fiber glass under the railing? Overall, I think both Ron's and your way is fine, and neither is a "Rube Goldberg". If the backing bolts were easy to get at, I would be inclined to go Ron's route. The process your welder used to continuously cool the weld is not the ideal way to weld metal... I hope my railing holds up...

 

[rondds]

Frank's picture confirms what I said above. the 330DA has deckplates bolted onto an angled toe-rail. Not conducive to my Rube Goldberg. I think the original poster is going to have to find a welder.

 

[fc3]

Frank,

I think, although it does not look as clean the original tack welded job, it is probably much stronger... I used to weld many years ago, and always found welding stainless the easiest welding... Whenever I wanted to have a weld the looked good, I would use a stainless steel welding rod... I wonder if the heat from the welding caused any deterioration of sealing of the bolts, for fiber glass under the railing? Overall, I think both Ron's and your way is fine, and neither is a "Rube Goldberg". If the backing bolts were easy to get at, I would be inclined to go Ron's route. The process your welder used to continuously cool the weld is not the ideal way to weld metal... I hope my railing holds up...

I know, Rod. I do a little welding here and there. Nothing pretty, but when a weld is called for to fix a piece of equipment, I can usually do it. No, the heat of the welding didn't cause any leaks. I did go under and check that the retaining nuts are tight. One of the "advantages" of his welds is that he hit the screw heads. They don't turn anymore. If I want to free them, I have to do a little grinding with a cut-off wheel.

Weld and cool isn't the best weld, but it did the job, looks OK and I didn't have to remove the rail and he didn't have to build a jig. Seems OK to me.

 

[rondds]

I still think you should have removed the rail.

 

[fc3]

Oh well!

Maybe I should just trade for a nice 460DA.

 

[rondds]

Diesels do cure all problems on gas boats, even bow rail issues.

 

[fc3]

Do they make Rick style 460s with gas engines? LOL

 

[rondds]

Here's the underside of one of the original stanchions on the starboard side. This is not the one photographed above (with the mold moustache). I haven't drilled out any this far back in the boat but the ones forward were pure glass through and through. Not sure about this one.

 

[AKBASSKING]

Here's the underside of one of the original stanchions on the starboard side. This is not the one photographed above (with the mold moustache). I haven't drilled out any this far back in the boat but the ones forward were pure glass through and through. Not sure about this one.

Nice job. I did the same thing. As I was ripping out the "monkey" carpet anyway due to mold, I reset all my railing. Funny SR did not have a backing plate in them, so I added it to my task. I used 5200 to seal the screw holes and the base.

 

[rondds]

The one pictured here was not one of mine. That's original. You can see another way down in the photo as well. They all had backing plates. The cleats have plywood glassed onto the underside of the decking as well as aluminum backing plates. Those sections of the deck (from underneath) are visibly thicker.

 

[AKBASSKING]

The one pictured here was not one of mine. That's original. You can see another way down in the photo as well. They all had backing plates. The cleats have plywood glassed onto the underside of the decking as well as aluminum backing plates. Those sections of the deck (from underneath) are visibly thicker.

I see then they have improved the process. I actually had nuts starting to pull thru which were a pain to off...........

 

[rondds]

Anyone believe in jinxes? I do. Popped the very one pictured below on Independence Night. My worst nightmare - can't get to his one, or it's counterpart on the stbd side. So...I paid a visit to Frank's welder buddy. He wants me to bring the boat there. Guess it's a reason for a boat ride. When I go I'll have him do both since the one on the stbd is likely not far behind.

So instead of this...

I'll have this...

 

[fc3]

You're welcome.

 

[mistercomputerman]

Do they make Rick style 460s with gas engines? LOL

Now, now, now...why you bustin' my cajones? I don't have a dog in this fight.

I'll make you a good deal on a gas 410DA so I can grow up and become a diesel boat guy. Then everyone will stop picking on me.

 

[fc3]

Now, now, now...why you bustin' my cajones? I don't have a dog in this fight.

I'll make you a good deal on a gas 410DA so I can grow up and become a diesel boat guy. Then everyone will stop picking on me.

I've already asked my salesguy to call if he sees any nice 1999-2002 or so 460DAs come in on trade or brokerage. I think it's time to get an oil burner although I'm not excited about that whole Cummins vibration thing.

 

[rondds]

Frank thanks for the referral. Your guy came through in the clutch. Did a nice job with two welds for me today for $180 cash money.

 

[MarkD]

Mig or Tig Ron?

 

[fc3]

He does TIG. He as a portable TIG in his truck and TIG welds with stainless steel.

 

[rondds]

Mig, tig, whatever it takes.