Question on companion way steps into the cabin

[NiceAft]

I just replaced the batteries on NiceAft with AGM's, but in order to do so, I had to remove the ladder in the cabin. Now that I am re-instaling the ladder, I can't get it to properly align with the holes for the bolts. It aligns well on the horizontal, but it is off by 3/16 of an inch on the vertical.
I have tightened the bolts (vertical) at the top of the ladder to the point I am fearful of snapping them. Yet the ladder is stil not high enough to align the horizontal holes at the ladder base. I was thinking of contacting the factory to see if there is a specific tork not to be exceeded. Instead, I think I may just cut off a sliver of the bushing which the two vertial bolts slide through.

Has anyone else encounterd this problem

Ray

[raycarlson]

it looks like the ladder takes some load and helps support stabilize the cockpit.try rigging up something and use a hydrolic jack to preload the 3/8 inch ,just make sure to tighten all bolts before releasing jack.these boats are very flexable so 3/8 is really not alot of misalignment

[Currie]

Hehe, yep. The deck will definitely sag with the ladder removed. When I did my bulkhead/ladder mod, I made sure the ladder height was exactly the same as the original. I had to crouch in the space below the companionway (with my hands on my knees) and push upwards with my back while my son inserted the bottom ladder bolts. A jack would work nicely too .

~Bob

P.S. If the resulting height isn't correct, you'll notice that the main hatch doesn't slide correctly (it may jam).

[NiceAft]

I'll try a crowbar first. If I can raise the ladder 3/16 of an inch, I should be able to align the holes. If not, then I will have to wait for one of my sons to come for a visit.

Do you thnk shaving an 1/8 of an inch off the bushings will hurt

Ray

[Highlander]

Ray
Well thats got to be a first !!!!! . I'd have thought asking if one should Shave His B's . should that not be in the Back Room . And would it not be better to keep one's personal prefrences to one's self !! . One would have to assume their's a good reason for this choice !!

Anyway all kidding aside I think ! . do not alter the original length get a small jack & some 2x4 & jack her up !!!

J
PS Nothing worse than a sagging Aft !!

[NiceAft]

Remember, the boat is named for the Admiral, so watch it bud

Ray

[NiceAft]

Bob, Ray, John, (sounds like a comedy team)

You were all correct. The ladder is crucial to deck support, and the hatch did have difficulty sliding, and it is extremely important to not adjust the dimensions.

I first tried to place the jack where it would exert force on the underside of the deck, but all I did was stress the liner across the top of the aft sleeping area. My next attempt was this, and it worked like a charm.



The bolts are all aligned. The sliding hatch slides, and the boat is a mess Back to work.


Thanks,

Ray

[Highlander]

Ray
Glad to hear everything worked out , not so sure I would go to that efort to install newer batt's why did the step ladder have to be removed were the new batt's bigger , could you not have modified the batt compartment entrance !! a little !! ?

J

[Catigale]

Ray - try telling the Admiral if she completed a three step program, her aft wouldnt sag as much...let me know how that works for ya...

[NiceAft]

John,

Yes, the batteries were considerably larger, and heavy (63LBS@). Not knowing what I would be up against, I took the easier route. I still would not want to start cutting away at the opening.

Stephen,

and again

Ray