Over Platform Ladder Removal/Installation -Hurricane Deck Boat

[NelsonQ]

I have a 2002 17' Hurricane Deck Boat (Fun Deck GS 170). It was a 2 step ladder I want to remove/replace with the 3 step from Windline.

My question is, I cannot access the underside of the platform (no access panels, holes, etc) I was planning on drilling the old bolts out.

Does anyone know of a type of fastener that I could use to install the new ladder without access underneath?

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Over Platform Ladder Removal/Installation -Hurricane Deck Boat

Turning the screws does not loosen them? There must be nuts and a backing plate on the underside. The factory probably installs the ladder before they put the hull and cap together.

Drilling them out will be difficult. I would assume they are a phillips head SS screw.

Hmm. All the rest of my ideas seem some what destructive and could cause too much damage.

It may not be a bad idea to call Hurricane or get in touch with a local dealer to see if they can tell you how they are installed.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Over Platform Ladder Removal/Installation -Hurricane Deck Boat

The screws are philips head and no luck trying to loosen them. My friend has a larger Hurricane deck boat (and the ladder is the same but the bolts are accessible from an access panel) They are the same type of bolt and have washers/nut installed so your suggestion it was done beforehand is most likely correct.

Only other thoughts was a bolt with a expanding end on it but I don't know if anyone has had success with a fiberglass surface using those applications.

Having hard time getting in touch with the dealer other than their suggestions to bring the boat in (I'm a fair distance from them)

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Over Platform Ladder Removal/Installation -Hurricane Deck Boat

Is there any chance that the brackets could be reused with the new ladder. Could it be possible to remove the pivot pin on the old ladder and then install the new ladder onto the old brackets?

Otherwise, I have used rivetnuts for many applications. They come in all sorts of designs. There may be one that would work on the fiberglass after you drill out the old screws. http://www.avkfasteners.com/products.AW.php

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Over Platform Ladder Removal/Installation -Hurricane Deck Boat

I thought of just changing the ladder using the same brackets but unfortunately the ladder is thicker on the 3 step than the 2 step.

I'm looking into the fasteners you've mentioned. I've contacted them to see there thoughts on the applications. I appreciate your help.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Over Platform Ladder Removal/Installation -Hurricane Deck Boat

Latest update. Heard back from Godfrey Marine who manufactures the Hurricane boats and apparently the ladder was attached to the deck prior to the deck being bonded with the hull.

Only option they presented was cutting open the deck to access the bolts.

At a local dealer here, the mentioned access port covers (round 4, 6, and 8" sizes)

Has anyone every done this (cut an access hole and added a access port panel to cover it?) I'm going to take photos this wknd and would be interested in feedback on where and how to cut the access hole.

More to follow

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Over Platform Ladder Removal/Installation -Hurricane Deck Boat

Get pictures up I'm interested to see how the hull and cap come together in that area.

Also, is there any chance you could gain access from the inside of the boat. Is there a seat that could be removed or a cushion that is covering an access hole or an area that an access hole could be cut.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Over Platform Ladder Removal/Installation -Hurricane Deck Boat

Godfrey, who built the boat, indicated the only access was cutting a panel in the deck where the ladder is installed to provide access.

I'm a little nervous about cutting a large access hole to simply get an extra 11" of length on the ladder.

I think I've decided to look at other solutions (perhaps a foldup gunwale ladder) or even getting a four step ladder and mounting it on the bow. (The underside of the deck at the bow is more accessible as the front has a built in anchor storage compartment)

The only thing stopping me there is whether or not I plan to do a bow mount trolling motor in the spring. I think I'll wait until spring to finally decide.

Appreciate your help Rotary

I can still post some pics in interested.