1996 SEI 194

[71beepbeep]

Hello,
I am trying to get access to my swim ladder bolts, but there is a carpeted false wall. It doesn't appear to be screwed to the transom, but it will not come loose. is this panel glued in? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard

without pictures we would be guessing

 

[jbcurt00]

Beep
Please dont start multie topics in multiple forums about the same subject. This topic had a reply, the other has been deleted

Pix will be helpful

 

[redneck joe]

Welcome to the forum. Yes, pics and boat type will help.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Is your boat a Larson 194 SEI? If it is... maybe this will help.

On mine (a '97 186 SEI), those carpeted panels were screwed into the transom. If you feel around (push real hard around the perimeter about an inch or two in from the edge) with your fingertip, you'll eventually find a screwhead (Phillips). Once you find and remove one or two of the screws, you can pull against the panel and it will be easier to tell where the remaining screws are.

The through-bolt holes for the swim ladder are where water got into my boat and caused the wet flotation foam and transom/deck rot. I hope you better luck...

 

[71beepbeep]

Thanks for the advice. I have a 1996 Larson SEI 194. The screws must be hidden In the carpet because it is loose except in a few spots by the transom. I have pulled back the panel a little and observed the ladder screws, there are wooden blocks at the attachment points. I believe the 96 model had the ladder mounted above the transom with support from these blocks. The 97 model years had the swim ladder mounted lower in the transom. It's strange they would hide the screws, make for a little extra work,
Thanks again
Heath

 

[JASinIL2006]

If your ladder bolts are not below the waterline, then you're lucky indeed! I knew '97 was a different style (it's when they started with engineered, non-wood stringers, I was told), so I guess the ladder location isn't too surprising.

On all the carpeted panel (over fuel tank, kick panels beneath cockpit area) the screws were buried in the carpet. And they're stainless steel, so trying to find them with magnet doesn't work. I found my fingertip to be the best.

Good luck!

 

[71beepbeep]

Dang, I was going to try the magnet trick. That's the way my luck is.

 

[71beepbeep]

Thanks jasinil2006 for the help. I finally found the darn screws and got the panel off. The wood mounts and the transom look great. I am going to remove the swim ladder and reseal it. What is the best sealant for this job?

 

[JASinIL2006]

I'd use 3M 5200 or 4200.

 

[71beepbeep]

I thought about the 4200 in case I ever decide to change ladders. Has anyone tried the Loctite PL fast dry marine sealant?

 

[redneck joe]

stick with 4200.

My Home Depot carries it in the paint dept.