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Bavaria Vision Stanchion Replacement

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Capt Lee, Dec 5, 2018.

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  1. Capt Lee, Dec 5, 2018
    #1
    Capt Lee

    Capt Lee New Member

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    Dec 5, 2018
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    Location:
    Jamestown, RI
    What is the best / correct way to replace a lifeline stanchion that has sheared level with the deck on a Bavaria Vision?? There is no cup on deck. Its solid. Access from below is blocked by a layer of fiberglass above the removable overhead. ??
  2. cleanslate, Dec 9, 2018
    #2
    cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    Cherry Hill, NJ
    IMO,...… I would run a 1/8'' or 3/16'' pilot hole down right next to the stanchion base through the deck ,towards cabin top side till you see the bit on then underside interior fiberglass.
    Now that you have a reference point on the underside measure from the top side the approximate size of the base and make the same measurements down below, with four pen points or more.
    I would the drill up from the inside lightly with the same bit into the underside of the base...feeling around the base with your drill bit don't drill all the way though the deck.....making few holes under the base , then with a sharp chisel tap out the glass just under the base to get to the fasteners. undo the fasteners/and backing plate and lift out the stanchion...you make have to carefully chisel out some glass or filler , teak, on the top side too...
    Install the new stanchion with your favorite bedding compound, 3M 5200, Boatlife, Sika flex, etc...you may have to refill with West System first before you install the new stanchion depending on how much glass you removed.
    I would also consider making a larger backing plate for the new stanchion , if you can...

    Fill back in the underside with West system, and the topside side too with West....sand West system down to desired finish and touch up with paint....

    Or take it to a yard with a good reputation, that includes sticking to their quoted price, and pay a few grand , most likely …..

    Let's see what others say...
  3. d_meister, Dec 9, 2018
    #3
    d_meister

    d_meister Senior Member

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    La Conner, WA.
    Maybe get in contact with Bavaria Yachts? Their website looks up to date, including a contact form.
  4. Capt Lee, Dec 12, 2018
    #4
    Capt Lee

    Capt Lee New Member

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    Jamestown, RI
    Tks folks. Bavaria havent been too helpful with tech issues given the NA shutdown. Although the German supplier SVA has been helpful with material. Nevertheless I'll check it out again.

    I like 'cleanslate's' plan. After probing a bit from the underside, I might cautiously keyhole it half way thru, large enough to make the repair, then chisel the rest. This should make original glass replacement clean and relatively easy. Much appreciated.
  5. d_meister, Dec 12, 2018
    #5
    d_meister

    d_meister Senior Member

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    A chisel is probably the last tool to use on fiberglass. It will weaken a larger area than the immediate area you're working with, shattering the lamination. If there is truly no way to access the backing nuts (if that's what's there), then a hole saw would be a better solution. There are many styles of plastic plugs available to finish a round hole. I've removed and replaced backings for all kinds of fixtures in seemingly inaccessible places by fastening wrenches to sticks and hot-gluing or taping the nut and washer stack to the wrench and sliding it in, among other methods. Destructive engineering should be absolutely the last resort. It would seem likeliest that there is a backing plate glassed into the deck, and a bit of finesse will get the fasteners out of it without snapping them off. If you post some pictures of what you're dealing with, it may encourage someone to offer a solution that has worked before.