JamieM
Veteran Member
The radar arch on my 2002 Pilot 34 has been removed in the past so the boat could be shipped by truck. I thought I would rebed the fasteners. I was very surprised to find that the arch was fastened to the deck and side using large stainless screws. I was fully expecting bolts. I also discovered that no backing plates were used as well. When I removed the screws I found that in several cases the fiberglass was stripped and the screws simply pulled out by hand.
I want to remedy this situation by installing backing plates and nuts and bolts. Where the arch fastens to the deck I think it would be possible to squeeze into the location to install the backing plates and grab the nuts with a socket.
Where the arch fastens to the side of the boat there doesn’t seem to be any access. My plan is to cut access holes from the inside to install a backing plate and be able to grab the nuts with a socket or wrench. I’d fill the holes with access plates. In my case I have cushion backs that these access panels would be hidden behind.
Love to hear your thoughts or solutions.
Or should I just use bigger screws and forget about the backing plates and bolts?
Jamie Morrison
2002 Pilot 34 “Foto”
Halifax, Nova Scotia
I want to remedy this situation by installing backing plates and nuts and bolts. Where the arch fastens to the deck I think it would be possible to squeeze into the location to install the backing plates and grab the nuts with a socket.
Where the arch fastens to the side of the boat there doesn’t seem to be any access. My plan is to cut access holes from the inside to install a backing plate and be able to grab the nuts with a socket or wrench. I’d fill the holes with access plates. In my case I have cushion backs that these access panels would be hidden behind.
Love to hear your thoughts or solutions.
Or should I just use bigger screws and forget about the backing plates and bolts?
Jamie Morrison
2002 Pilot 34 “Foto”
Halifax, Nova Scotia