FAE Install Swim platform bracket problem

[Gwyn]

so I got my fae at last, started install today, it was 10 minutes before I hit a problem which has stopped me in my tracks! very frustrating.

The swim platform bracket on the port side is loose, the actual bracket mounted to the boat, the pin securing pin at the top is rusted and seized solid. I have sprayed with WD40 and left it for now.

I have had a problem with taking on some water since I had the boat (about 7 months) and have been systematically checking hull penetrations with now luck so far, but I had noticed it is worse when surfing, this now makes sense as this side of the patform would be lifted and letting in water.

If you look at the picture you can see the scratch marks on the hull where its been moving, I hadnt thought to check this and it felt solid enough until I removed the platform.

I tried for 2 or 3 hours to get the pin out put no luck, the bracket is set back in a little pocket in the transom so you cant easily get to it with a hammer.

I have taken out the hard ballast tank and I cant tighten the buts as the bolts are turning, tried applying some pressure to the bracket hoping it would hold the bolt head in place but that didnt work !

So my install has ended in an epic fail at the first atempt ! No point installing until I sort this out.

The only this I can think to do is cut a slot in the end of the bolt inside the boat, try and get a srewdriver on it so I can undo the nut.

My thinking is if I can get the bolts undone then I can get the bracket off, heat it and remove the pin (apply some anger with a hammer) I am a little nervous about heating the bracket whilst its attached !

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated !

[chpthril]

Try an actual rust penetrant over WD-40. Next, grab the end on the platform support (the arm the platform bolts to) and rock it up and down and around in an attempt to break the bond loose between the pin and the other two parts of the bracket. Also, if you are careful, you can drive the pin out with a drift punch and small hammer.

After that, I would completely remove the hanger from the transom. Reseal and reinstall with new bolts, washers, ny-lock nuts, etc.

[lancehon]

Have you tried an air hammer

[mls6722]

some boats have set screws at the bottom of those brackets to prevent movement between the platform bracket and the boat bracket. If you have a set screw, that would seize that pin in place.

[carcrz]

Time for a bigger hammer. Like previously stated, I'd try a lube specific for rust first.

[Gwyn]

Thanks for the help, will have to get the bracket off before a bigger hammer will work because of the 'pocket' its recessed into in the hull. Will let you know how it goes though.

[wired1236]

Try a product called "Nuts Off". I know...hell of a name but it really works. It's a spray like WD40 but meant for just your situation. You can get it at Napa I believe.

[Iwndr]

Try a product called "Nuts Off". I know...hell of a name but it really works. It's a spray like WD40 but meant for just your situation. You can get it at Napa I believe.

PB Blaster is the best product I've used for breaking down rust and corrosion so far

[Timmy!]

He's in Dubai though so he may not have some of those options but I second PB Blaster. Looks like you run that boat in saltwater to have an '08 rusted like that already!

[Gwyn]

Yep here in Dubai limited product choices, although I did find something more specific than wd40, am going up tomorrow to have another go, and I bought a bigger hammer!

Yes it's very salty salt water not much in the way of fresh water lakes for about a 1000 miles in any direction!! Almost all steel components are rusted, I didn't own it from new and the previous owner didn't take the best of care, if it had been mine i would have washed and greased everything regularly as I do now

Will let you know how I get on

[IDBoating]

I second ChpThril's recommendation of a punch or similar tool. That will bring the hammer contact point out away from the hull, which means you can use a bigger hammer.

[bigskymudflaps]

Might just be pinched

When I take my platform off, if I don't lift the platform, the weight of the brackets really pinch the pin. Can't move the pin until I lift the platform and brackets. Could be really simple.

[jbort]

Gwyn:

How much to ship those items over? PM me if u seek that approach.

[insane04]

You are gonna laugh but the best corrosion eater ive used is taco bell hot sauce. Try it on a tarnished penny. Let it soak and then just wipe it off!!!