Pedestal rebuild to pole mount
- Inquisitor
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Re: Pedestal rebuild to pole mount
WOW! I wish I could do that.
Odysseus, expert on the Siren's call
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OverEasy
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Re: Pedestal rebuild to pole mount
Hi Be Free!
Our local hardware supply didn’t have sufficient number of rivnuts in a #10 size
but they did have Well-Nuts (although they didn’t know what they were or whatever they could be used for...they thought they were defective expansion plugs that didn’t get molded properly as the thread goes all the way through
)) All had a good laugh after it was explained what and how to use. The boss again asked if I wanted a job there as this isn’t the first time we have had similar discussions....
They did have some larger Rivnuts in Aluminum at 3/8-16 thread which is better than just threading the sheet metal SST elbow brackets for the pedestal base! (Note: It was also explained that the “defective” thread less nuts with the Rivnuts weren’t defective but were actually part of the means to install a Rivnuts.
) (And again with the “could you come work here please” discussion...
).
One of these days he’s gonna figure out he can hold my hardware hostage!
Thank you for sharing that idea!
Aside: A technique I’ve used in practice to help eep Rivnuts from spinning after installation is to apply a dab of slow setting adhesive (like 5200) and to file two small half round grooves into the edge of the hole it is being installed in. It was passed down to me from the tool & die Engineer I worked with as an apprentice.

Our local hardware supply didn’t have sufficient number of rivnuts in a #10 size
They did have some larger Rivnuts in Aluminum at 3/8-16 thread which is better than just threading the sheet metal SST elbow brackets for the pedestal base! (Note: It was also explained that the “defective” thread less nuts with the Rivnuts weren’t defective but were actually part of the means to install a Rivnuts.
One of these days he’s gonna figure out he can hold my hardware hostage!
Thank you for sharing that idea!
Aside: A technique I’ve used in practice to help eep Rivnuts from spinning after installation is to apply a dab of slow setting adhesive (like 5200) and to file two small half round grooves into the edge of the hole it is being installed in. It was passed down to me from the tool & die Engineer I worked with as an apprentice.
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Sheppie62
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Re: Pedestal rebuild to pole mount
“Aside: A technique I’ve used in practice to help eep Rivnuts from spinning after installation is to apply a dab of slow setting adhesive (like 5200) and to file two small half round grooves into the edge of the hole it is being installed in. It was passed down to me from the tool & die Engineer I worked with as an apprentice.” I really like that, could have fixed a lot of problems for me in the past.
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OverEasy
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Re: Pedestal rebuild to pole mount
As one of those poor unfortunates still struggling with making do with an original pedestal here are a couple pictures of the rivnuts installed for the pedestal base:


And a couple photos of the Well-nuts installed for the Lexan side panels:






And a couple photos of the Well-nuts installed for the Lexan side panels:



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Sheppie62
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Re: Pedestal rebuild to pole mount
A few updates on progress, need to drill hole on side of post for motor control cables to enter post. I have upgraded to hydraulic steering, not sure there would be room for cable steering to make bend down tube.








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OverEasy
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Re: Pedestal rebuild to pole mount
Hi!
We really like how nice your project is turning out!
There is SO MUCH MORE ROOM than before!
Just a Question as we like being barefoot on our boat: Are you going to put radius edge sheet metal toe plates over the ribs?
We really like how you have made use of the prior pedestal top!
That is brilliant!

We really like how nice your project is turning out!
There is SO MUCH MORE ROOM than before!
Just a Question as we like being barefoot on our boat: Are you going to put radius edge sheet metal toe plates over the ribs?
We really like how you have made use of the prior pedestal top!
That is brilliant!
- Jimmyt
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Re: Pedestal rebuild to pole mount
Looking good!
Jimmyt
P-Cub-Boo
2013 26M, Etec 60, roller Genoa, roller main
Cruising Waters: Mobile Bay, Western Shore, Fowl River
P-Cub-Boo
2013 26M, Etec 60, roller Genoa, roller main
Cruising Waters: Mobile Bay, Western Shore, Fowl River
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Sheppie62
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Re: Pedestal rebuild to pole mount
That’s the first thing my wife said about it! So yes will do something, at least round edges. But most likely a soft cover. That is just a test fit, will smooth all welds then paint or powder coat.OverEasy wrote: ↑Sun Apr 18, 2021 10:46 pm Hi!
We really like how nice your project is turning out!
There is SO MUCH MORE ROOM than before!![]()
![]()
Just a Question as we like being barefoot on our boat: Are you going to put radius edge sheet metal toe plates over the ribs?
We really like how you have made use of the prior pedestal top!
That is brilliant!![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
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Sheppie62
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- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Mission Bay San Diego
Re: Pedestal rebuild to pole mount
I think a CNC machined top and bottom with a smooth top would be way to go then weld or bolt in a pole. Mine is way stronger/ heavier than it needs to be. How expensive is carbon fiber printing and a carbon tube?
Last edited by Sheppie62 on Mon Apr 19, 2021 8:41 am, edited 2 times in total.
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OverEasy
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Re: Pedestal rebuild to pole mount
Hi!
We think what you that this project is really nice in so many ways!
Your project is really unique in the scope of MacGregor projects and you are doing a great job stucturally and aesthetically.

We think what you that this project is really nice in so many ways!
Your project is really unique in the scope of MacGregor projects and you are doing a great job stucturally and aesthetically.
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Sheppie62
- First Officer
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- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Mission Bay San Diego
Re: Pedestal rebuild to pole mount
Almost done, I mounted old Nissan controls until I get new Yamaha controls (look nearly same). Newer Yamaha controls appear to have ability to flip motor trim to correct side I hope! Then I can center Multi Function Display on pedestal. I think I’m going to put some kind of very small platform under MFD to hold stuff/ drinks cups etc..not sure where motor lift button should go? 









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OverEasy
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Re: Pedestal rebuild to pole mount
So very nice!
The controls look good and the extra knee room must be luxurious!

The controls look good and the extra knee room must be luxurious!
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Sheppie62
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Re: Pedestal rebuild to pole mount

First trip out with the new pedestal, works great
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OverEasy
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Re: Pedestal rebuild to pole mount
Congratulations!
Must feel good getting this ambitious and cool project done
Bravo
Best Regards, Over Easy
