Loose Pedestal

[blueskiesup]

The pedestal on our 2001 MacX started getting wobbly this year... I noticed the wobbliness as I manuvered myself around it several times, each time grabbing the boom crutch for support. I tightened the 4-bolts that attach it to the 'L' brackets on the deck. The bolts were quire loose, they didn't back off, I think the holes in the fiberglass have expanded some and there was a need for added "squeeze" to keep things from moving. I may need to add some washers next year...

I wanted to pass this along because I had visions of the pedestal dangling from the main sheet off to the leeward side and me just staring at the wheel, throttle, and main sheet as they flapped in the breeze... It wouldn't really be a good day for me if that happened.

- Greg -

[Kelly Hanson East]

I think there is plywood in the cockpit sole, it would be worth checking the wood for dampness and dealing with it sooner rather than later

I could be wrong on this....

[blueskiesup]

The "looseness" i experienced was actually at the bolt to pedestal connection throught the metal "L" bracket, the "L" bracket connection to the deck was firm and secure... I am guessing the fibregrass holes in the pedestal are going oblong from strain. Things are tight again now but I may replace the connection with larger diameter bolts and washers to eliminate any future hole growth through movement.