1983 Seafarer 226, seat pedestal base loose

[Boomhauer]

I recently had some hefty friends sitting in the passenger Captains chair in rough seas etc. later, I noticed the base of the pedestal shaft was loose where it goes through the fiberglass. The pedestal shafts have the mounting plates inside the “fish box” fiberglass structure..., not sure what you call it.
I have access to the hardware through an inspection plate.... also, there is now a gap of nearly 1/4” between the pedestal shaft and the fiberglass hole.
My question is...,. Should i try to reinforce the gap in the fiberglass, or get a new pedestal base that would through bolt on top of the fish box compartment? All the new pedestal seat bases seem to bolt on top rather than inside.
Thanks !

 

[Fishtales]

Tough to answer without seeing. I'd work to understand how the pedestal shaft is mounted. Likely the glass isn't doing anything, it is the mount inside. If the mount is loose, I can be tightened up. If the mount is worn, then prob best to replace.

 

[Boomhauer]

Thanks,
I’ll take a closer look. The newer style base mounts that look like a flattened cone or flying saucer would be easy to install and perhaps more stable?
That said , the old ones have made in 36 years. Unfortunately, my buddies have gained some weight.

 

[leeccoll]

Hi Boomhauer, there are quite a few members that own and have done a lot of restorations to older 226/228's.

As Fishtails said its tough to answer without seeing.

Pictures are extremely helpful, you should get plenty of help once you post one. Good luck!

Lee

 

[DennisG01]

I have, most likely, the exact same setup as you... visible screw heads on the outside? I honestly have not looked underneath to see the exact structure (no need, as of yet), but I would lean towards thinking the same as Fish that the fiberglass is not a structural part of this. The problem was probably already there - the big guys just made it more apparent. Might just need to have the bolts tightened up. BUT... check for a wood core in that area, too.

 

[VeroWing]

Post up a couple pics.

 

[Boomhauer]

Will post pics Wednesday

 

[Fishtales]

I'm sure if worn, you can replace easily enough. Really just need the access to get backing plate in there as well as thru bolts. The new ones tend to mount on top, but do need a backside plate to give you the strength you require.

 

[Boomhauer]

The first photo shows the underneath mounting bracket/sleeve. The bolts were quite loose, so I replaced them and snugged them down, but this didn’t fix the pay in the pedestal shaft.

Number 2 & 3 photos show the pedestal shaft with the seat removed. The gap in the fiberglass hole is no more than 1/8”

number 4 is the sleeve of the mounting base with pedestal shaft removed.

number 5 & 6 are close ups of the pedestal shaft....

the mounting sleeve was holding water, so no holes, but had a paste like substance which I cleaned out.

the mounting sleeve has no bushing.
The pedestal shaft had fairly significant corrosion at the base rim. There was a slight step down from the top 2/3 of the shaft to the bottom 1/3 or so. There is a second very slight step an inch or so below that where the bottom of the fiberglass would be.

I could not figure out the manufacturer of the seat and pedestal.

for now, I’ll see if I can find a Replacement base and shaft.
If not , I thought about reinstalling it with some 4200 or silicone caulk. 5200 would be too permanent.
Either way, I’ll also let the core dry and epoxy the edge/rim and sand to snug fit with whatever I replace it with, or reuse old parts.
I dont think the newer style pedestal bases which bolt on top would fit. The shaft goes though the compartment to close to the edge.
Lastly, I’ll touch base with GW....

any help appreciated!

 

[leeccoll]

Hi Boomhauer,
I can safely say the you are correct the newer style pedestals will not work.
I recently changed out my seat swivels. The attachment at the base seems identical to yours.
Mine is 1987 Seafarer
Seat manufacturer was Wise.
I personally would call Grady to see if Wise or Garelick was the pedestal supplier for your hull and year.
Sure you will get the answers you need here

 

[Boomhauer]

Leecoll,
Thanks for the input.
Did you replace the recessed base bracket , or just the shaft?
If you replaced either, did you get them from wise?
Thanks

 

[leeccoll]

Hi Boomhauer,

I only changed the swivel that the roto molded seats attaches to because my old seats were not able to slide or rotate. So that's the reason I said I would call Grady and see exactly who the manufacture was for the base and shaft for your boats model and year.

I know Wise was the supplier for the swivel and seat on my 1986 228 after calling Grady, then Wise to chase down parts.

If I'm interpreting what you are saying correctly, you either need to replace both the base and shaft because of the play, or if it's me I would use something like JB Weld, and make sure you get enough on the bottom of the shaft and the inside of the base and see if that holds first. It's a bit of a bush fix but might be worth a shot.

Let us know how it goes.

Lee

 

[Boomhauer]

Thanks Lee,
I agree.... going to try to adhere the existing post with JBW etc or maybe buy a new section of aluminum post if I can get the right size.
If it doesn’t work, can always remove it later.
Mark