Access to rail screws/nuts

[1960vw]

My bowrider has a loose rail towards the bow. I would like to tighten it but cannot figure access to the nuts. I assume that the pads have to be removed but how is that done? I cannot see and screws that can be undone in the seams. What's the secret? Thanks !

 

[gozierdt]

Re: Access to rail screws/nuts

From the looks of the pads, there must be snaps, velcro, or double-stick tape behind them to hold them to the sides of the cockpit. I'd try and stick a narrow, dull, blade behind them and pry gently at the corners, while looking closely at what shows up behind them. Assuming they come out fairly easily,
you may or may not have access holes to the back of the deck where the rails are mounted. If there are no holes, you'll have to make some to get access.

edit: I looked a little closer at the first two pics, and it looks like something is sticking down below the backrest cushions. What is that? Also, do the seat cushions lift out? If so, take them out first, then do the pry gently thing at the bottom of the backrests- try both bottom and top corners to see what is revealed.

 

[mike343]

Re: Access to rail screws/nuts

With the seats out, you should see some fasteners under the lower edge of the vertical pads, at least my glastron does. Most boats have some provision for re-upholstering without destroying the pieces.
But you will probably have to cut a hole to get access.

 

[1960vw]

Re: Access to rail screws/nuts

The seats do come out. Solid in the front, though, without access. The other seats cover storage areas. What you see in the back is just smudges. I will try the prying trick carefully to see if it works. I will again look for any screws or bolts that might be hidden in the crevices. Thanks for the ideas !!!

 

[1960vw]

Re: Access to rail screws/nuts

Mike, Thanks for the tip because I found the mounting screws neatly tucked away in between the top and bottom colors at the seams. I took the panels off and sure enough, there was no access. Solid panels all the way around. I sure hate to cut an access panel. The one rail is just a bit loose enough to bug me. but not enough yet to do some cutting! How in the heck does the manufacturer do it? Install them without access?

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Access to rail screws/nuts

Are you sure those are nutted bolts? Usually, they're just predrilled holes and self tapping screws. More than likely, you've got a stripped out hole. Try removing another screw elsewhere to see if they just unscrew.

If it is a stripped out hole, fill it with some Marine Tex and re-drill/screw it after it hardens.

 

[mike343]

Re: Access to rail screws/nuts

The manufacturer can install hardware on the deck/upper hull piece before mounting it to the lower hull. There are lots of screws or bolts under the rub rail.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Access to rail screws/nuts

The manufacturer can install hardware on the deck/upper hull piece before mounting it to the lower hull. There are lots of screws or bolts under the rub rail.

True...