P31 Discussion Boards

ddoles · Joined: 18 Jun 2003 Posts: 31 Location: Westfield, NJ

I am rebedding my lifeline stanchions and cannot figure out how to access the bolts on the forward most stanchions, the ones just aft of the bow pulpit. The others are accessed from inside the port and starboard cabinets. The forward most access should be from in the v-berth, but I can't see how to get at them. Does anyone know how to remove and replace these stanchions? The deck around the port side stanchion seems soft, probably from water penetrating the core. Any suggestions on repairing this would also be helpful.

Dave Ruley · Joined: 01 Jun 2004 Posts: 8 Location: Galesville, MD

We also plan to rebed our stanchions and chain plates this winter. We haven't started but intend to first try working through the light mounting which is just aft of the stanchion backing plate. If that doesn't work, it appears we'll have to cut an access in the molded headliner just forward of the light, and install a teak cover plate afterwards for appearance and future access. We should be starting early December and will let you know how it goes. If you find a better method, would appreciate any lessons learned.

On the deck moisture, in my research, a Pearson without some extent of deck moisture is a rarity and I have yet to learn of a non-destructive repair, ie. you'll eventually need to replace the deck. Smooth sailing.

ddoles · Joined: 18 Jun 2003 Posts: 31 Location: Westfield, NJ

Thanks for the reply. I also thought going through the light might work, although I haven't tried it yet. I got another reply via e-mail from a P-31 owner who did it the second way you suggest by cutting a hole and covering it with a teak fitting for future access. He seemed happy with the outcome.

Beau't Drinks · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Charleston, SC

Is it possibly to caulk around the sides of the stanchions and get a water tight seal without removing them? I do not completely understand the process of rebedding. I was told during my marine inspection that i had a leak near the stanchion cause by people grabbing it to come aboard. i want to fix this problem so there is no core damage.

Dferr · Posted: Fri May 19, 2006 10:24 am Post subject: caulk around the sides

I would think you could just caulk around the edges. But, Its definitely a band-aid fix, and most likely won't last very long. I would do a little more research on rebedding. Its not that difficult. Better to do it right. Wink

Here's a link.
http://old.cruisingworld.com/vigorsta.htm