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View Full Version : Much needed TLC



aerolland
05-21-2018, 10:58 AM
Replaced all the gas struts around the boat very soon after I bought it but the dealer had a hard time finding the correct one for the engine compartment. Everyone kept telling me it was a 12" strut - no way based on the old rusty mounts. Finally got around to buying and fixing the strut myself.

The old mounts had to be ground and chiseled out, such a shame! I am not sure the exact construction of the rear sun deck but it appears to be a honeycomb with a metal skin under fabric. There was no getting the fasteners out so out came the grinder. The rust and force of the old strut (at some point in it's life) did a number on the mounting surface. Stainless mounts went back in.

https://i.imgur.com/7jzQXtxl.jpg

In an effort to distribute the load and cover that awful hole I did similar to what I came up with for the port and starboard lockers, put a HDPE plate over the damage. I was hoping to allow it to cover the damage completely but decided I didn't want to have to cut my aluminum bracket that sits on top of the locker divider to allow the plastic piece to pass. Moved it over slightly and compromised on black RTV to cover the damage. After all, will only see it when the cover is open - I can live with that until I replace the sun deck in a couple of years.

https://i.imgur.com/RX8a03ol.jpg

Mounted:

https://i.imgur.com/G9bw3dYl.jpg

Slightly longer than 12" huh?

https://i.imgur.com/NB13rqQl.jpg

The_Robo_Fighter
05-22-2018, 09:00 AM
Nicely done. Thanks for sharing!

Darter
05-22-2018, 12:26 PM
What size/length screws did you use for the HDPE into the underside of the deck? I want to add a strut to mine, but afraid to go too long and come through the foam pad.

aerolland
05-22-2018, 12:43 PM
What size/length screws did you use for the HDPE into the underside of the deck? I want to add a strut to mine, but afraid to go too long and come through the foam pad.#10 - 1" stainless flat head phillips, so they extend about 1/2" into foam. Standing directly above them, you can't feel

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