Crack in captain seat hinge

[Relackson]

The hinge on my captain's seat is finally about to give out (as I have feared for some time - never confident about design). It has a split either side of it - just worn out.

As I can't find a replacement in Aussie, I intend to see if I can get in welded.

My immediate challenge is releasing it from the hull. Has anyone had a similar problem? Does anyone know how the hinge is connected to the hull: self-tappers, bolt and nut, other? I've tried unscrewing the screws, but they refuse to budge.

Be most appreciative of any help.

Stan

[Russ]

The hinge is bolted through with, I believe, washers underneath. Mine didn't break, but was loose and I tightened it up. Took two people, one to hold the nut underneath and another to turn the Phillips screw from the top.

It doesn't seem like a custom hinge. You can't find one locally?

--Russ

[RobertB]

Most likely a simple bolted connection - have not seen any other method used in the upper hull. The only exception I have seen is the table supports and these were screwed into a wood block glassed to the hull (lower). It is possible the hinge was installed before the hull upper was mated to the lower. Either get a skinny arm up from the lower berth or drill out and install a round access plate nearby (common for other mods such as installing stern rail seats).

My problem was not the hinge cracking but the upper and lower molds separating and cracking in the hinge area. I added some fiberglass mat and resin and it has held so far.

[Russ]

Either get a skinny arm up from the lower berth or drill out and install a round access plate nearby (common for other mods such as installing stern rail seats).

I'm no acrobat, but after removing the trim plate in the rear berth, I was able to reach up there and hold a wrench on the bolt.

--Russ

[Relackson]

Thanks for your responses, fellas.

Russ, tried my best to reach up, couldn't get anywhere near it. The two skins narrow, and foam gets in the way.

Have decided to put an inspection plate in under the seat.

Have even contemplated leaving the seat off.

Thanks again.

Stan

[bartmac]

Leaving the seat off was my first mod.....but the hinge is still there...could not reach the nuts easily so left the hinge just in case.Found the captain seat removal really opened up the cockpit given the cluttered nature with the steering binnacle and all

[Russ]

Okay, now I'm going to have to drive out to the boat and crawl back in there and see how I tightened those thing.

--Russ

[Relackson]

Bartmac, any disadvantages to leaving the seat off?

Do you just sit to the side?

Any issues about "falling" backwards?

I'm still keen on the idea.

Stan