What holds the galley top on?

[BOAT]

I was considering removing the galley top because I want to do a full re-design of the galley unit, (you know, add stainless sink, reset the placement of the drain hose, install new faucet and put in a water pump and other things).

What's holding the top on? Is it glued in place? Would it be too hard to remove?

Thanks for any advice from others who have experience with the good ol' M sliding galley.

[Russ]

Are you talking about just the "top" or the whole thing?

I never looked to see what the top is anchored with. Glued/glassed together, I don't know. The galley is on a track that easily comes off.

[seahouse]

Hey BOAT- IIRC the top is glassed on, so the galley is of a single solid unit body construction. If you wanted to cut the top off and retain it's rigid structure you will want to allow for that in the design and attachment of a new top. You might retain some strength by removing just the inner "countertop" and working over top of the formed outer edge.

[BOAT]

Yeah, the track assembly I figured out pretty quick, but the way they anchored the actual counter top onto the bottom shell I have not figured out. I can't feel any fasteners in there when I run my fingers inside but then I can't really reach all that way in either.

Did they glue it on? Would I destroy it trying to remove it?

[BOAT]

Hey BOAT- IIRC the top is glassed on, so the galley is of a single solid unit body construction. If you wanted to cut the top off and retain it's rigid structure you will want to allow for that in the design and attachment of a new top. You might retain some strength by removing just the inner "countertop" and working over top of the formed outer edge.

Hi seahouse

What does IIRC mean?

Thanks for telling me that it's fiberglassed in place. That will make removing it impossible. So, I guess I will not destroy it by trying to take it off.

[seahouse]

If I Recall Correctly, meaning I'm working from memory. Not really impossible, but messy, you could cut it off
and re-glass or epoxy it, or overlay and cut out the sink as some have done here, which would retain full strength.

[BOAT]

Okay, I need to ask the wife if she wants a wood top to match the table or something else before I cut it off. I like the fiberglass because it's light weight - I think I will keep it and just do some mahogany trim on it.

[Sea Shadow]

I have taken the top off and put on a solid wood top. See in the mods section. Essentially the fiberglass top of the galley is a seperate piece attached to the body by a sheet of epoxied fiberglass around the inside edge. This is relatively easy to cut and then lift top off without damage to either piece.

[Russ]

I have taken the top off and put on a solid wood top. See in the mods section. Essentially the fiberglass top of the galley is a seperate piece attached to the body by a sheet of epoxied fiberglass around the inside edge. This is relatively easy to cut and then lift top off without damage to either piece.

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1916

Very nice mod.

[yukonbob]

Don't cut it off!! First try running your fingers around the outside of the counter top to separate it. Its only held on by a few pieces of glass and few brush strokes of resin. That way you can cut everything up as high as possible.

[yukonbob]

Also when you install new top, remember that in the water with engine ect level might not be level.

[BOAT]

Good tip on using my fingers to get the top detached - that's a good idea.

Leveling the thing - On a Mac? I suppose I could put a gimbal on it.

[Sea Shadow]

When I said cut it, I meant cut the strapping from the inside. The top will then separate from the bottom - no damage to either.

[seahouse]

Yup BOAT- I would expect that you would cut it at the thinner connecting layup, and not anywhere else. Because I saw the table you made! Nice work!

[seahouse]

But yipes! I would be careful running my fingers along any fibreglass rough part that you can't see. If you look at it (say, with a flashlight) you won't need to run your finger over it. Some of that stuff is rough -yowch - asking for slivers!