Removing Telescopic Rear Pylon

[dogbert]

I added a Monster tower to my 1999 21v Ltd. I'd like to replace the telescopic pylon with a standard pylon, but I've hit a snag. It seems the telescopic pylon has rusted to the pylon mount and the dealer's tried everything to get it off, short of removing the entire pylon mount. He's suggesting applying heat to it to free it up (after removing the pylon mount), but we're both concerned about damaging the pylon mount.

Anybody have any other ideas?

[Tige M.D.]

i ran into the a few years ago. we applied heat, break free, heat, break free, heat, and so on... it never came out. we even lifted the entire boat by the pylon, still would'nt come out. ended up replacing the entire mount and pylon. i ended up cutting the mount apart to see what had happened, seems aluminum and steel weld themselves together over time.

[dogbert]

That's what I kinda figured. Oh well, I have the Ski Dock trying to locate a replacement mount for me. Looks like it's only 4 bolts to install it so hopefully not a big deal.

Thanks for the info, Tige M.D.!

[dogbert]

I removed the pylon/mount and dropped it by a local weld/fabrication shop recommended by the Ski Dock. The guy thought he could cut the pylon down where it goes into the mount. Then he was going to cut in two places length-wise from the inside of the pylon (it's hollow) and then break the section free that's stuck to the mount.

We'll see what happens. If that doesn't work, I'll have him make a new mount. Tige no longer has the mount templates for my boat's model year. I guess they don't use computers

[dogbert]

Ok, the guy I took the mount to was able to remove it by cutting the end of the pylon off and using a reciprocal saw to cut the pylon from the inside out towards the mount and then applying a press. Cost me about $100, but I was able to get the new pylon installed and everything works great. Sure is nice not having that big black pylon sticking out of the back of my boat (really gets in the way of pictures).

Tige M.D., I got the remanent of the pylon he cut out and it looked pretty much as you described it. Thanks for your help!