1988 Ski Supreme - ski pylon problem .

[steveoli]

The ski pylon on my 1988 ski supreme was showing signs of deep corrosion. I tried to remove the 2 U clamps and slide it out of the steel sleeve to remove it. The pylon was seized to the steel sleeve. The steel sleeve is welded to a steel plate. The steel plate mounts to what looks like the stringers. There are 4 bolts on each side. I tried to remove the steel plate and pylon as a assembly so I could replace the pole. PROBLEM.. 3 of the bolts on one side SNAPPED. To make the problem even worse, I broke a tap trying to repair oneof the bolt holes. So basicly... I have 1 bolt hole that wont be able to be used. Does anyone know if I can go oversized with the bolts? I cant see what the bolts screw in to. Is there a steel plate behind the fiberglass? Is it some kind of threaded sleeve that installed from the backside?
If its a threaded sleeve, I am probably going to be forced to repair the original threads. Please help if you have exprience with this type of boat.

Thanks and happy skiing !!

[This_lil_fishy]

Your tap must be very brittle, typically they are. With time an patience they can be removed. Get a thin punch, a hammer, and work it out. That happens a lot to us as we are typically tapping aluminum (which can bind a tap when dull)...so it can be done. Other then that, I can't be of much help. There must be some sort of backing plate, or maybe just some type of anchoring system under there.


Ian

[steveoli]

Do you break up the broken tap with the punch?

[This_lil_fishy]

You try to break it if all else fails, typically we try to spin it out depending how deep it is. Usually it will back out easily was you get it back a quarter turn or so. Like I say, if all else fails and it's deep enough we can slow break them out. Use a point punch. It really is tedious...I've spent as much as an hour tapping tap tapping with my hammer. The threads will be ruined, an you need to retap or tap larger. Be sure to drill the hole the right size for the size of tap and type of metal you are using. If you break a tap it's usually because the whole is too small, or you haven't been backing out every half turn to clean it out.

Ian

[revilo4448]

Anyone know where to get a ski pylon for an 1988 Ski Supreme?

Thanks

[NYBo]

Welcome to iboats!

This is an old thread. Please start your own, as per forum rules.