Grab bar with Cockpit table installation questions?

[Mike Ford]

I am trying to install a Grab bar ( with table ) from PSC on Mac26X 2002. There is one upper mounting bolt on the center line that lines up with the tube in the pedistal. Do I drill a bolt hole through the tube that the boom crutch goes into and then cut the crutch tube length shorter so that it is at the same height when resting on this new bolt? Actually the Grab bar appears bent and I will need to bend It somewhat for everything to line up. Doesn't seem right!

[ALX357]

I have recently installed that same set-up. Mine also did not look exactly symmetrical, especially the welded location of the mainsheet loop at the top. It sits off to port a bit, the loop, but still close enough to not matter. Just looks a little off. Also, the bases did not locate exactly symmetrical, if i set the upper part of the tubes evenly. The tubes are a fraction of an inch too far to port, and if i was starting over, i would have tried to make any decentering happen to starboard, to maximize the traffic clearance on the portside. It is just a balancing overall process, unless yours if so whacked that you don't want it.
As for the upper attachment hole, i loosened the crutch support tube screws at the top so i could temporarily move it aside, DRILLED THRU THE PEDESTAL FACE ONLY, bolted the table on with a shortened bolt (found exact length via trial and error) grinding the tip to a minimum length with a belt-sander, so it would fit without interference) and a large SS fender washer and a nylon locking nut, then put the crutch support tube back and finished up. A dremel cutter could also be used to trim the bolt.